Workman ordered to compensate pensioner

A MARABELLA labourer who broke into a pensioner’s house and stole US $1,000 while she attended church, has been ordered to pay her TT $7,000 compensation.

The 32-year-old man, of Battoo Avenue, was previously hired by the woman to do work on the premises. He appeared before Michelle Maharajh-Brown in the Couva Magistrates’ Court on Monday and pleaded guilty.

The victim, who is in her 70’s, told police that on September 2 she returned from church and discovered her home broken into and the money missing. She reported the matter to Couva CID and Sgt Ramdial and PC Ramoutar began investigating.

The elderly victim lives at the Old Southern Main Road, Mc Bean, Couva.

A few days ago, police arrested the man. The money was not recovered, and PC Ramoutar laid the charge.

On Monday when he appeared before the magistrate, he apologised for his action saying he was not thinking clearly. The magistrate fined him $10,000 to be paid within two months or in default, he will serve 12 months hard labour in jail. The magistrate also ordered that he pays the woman $7,000 compensation within two weeks or, in default, he will serve six weeks in jail.

Sgt Lincoln Bonnet prosecuted and Darril Giles represented the man.