Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

Photo Credit: Clifton Skelton/BVI Platinum News

When he appeared at the Magistrate's Court today, September 14, a local musician wasted no time pleading guilty to shoplifting four bottles of Hennessy and a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka totaling $117.06 from One Mart in East End.

Senior Magistrate Valerie Stephens gave Everett Jack, 29, a six-month suspended sentence for two years after indicating to him that he should have done better.

According to the allegations presented by Prosecutor Leslie Ann Faulkner, on July 29 about 8:05 pm, Jack entered the store with a black shopping bag and proceeded to the aisle with liquor. Jack then placed the stolen items in his bag and proceeded to the checkout counter to pay for two bottles of beer, while he concealed the bag on the floor at the counter.

According to crown's case, a security guard had observed Jack's actions and stopped him as he exited the store.

Jack allowed the officer to search the bag, but when the stolen items were seen, he fled the store leaving the security officer with the bag.

Police later arrested Jack and he admitted to stealing the liquor during an audio/visual interview with police.

Jack apologized to the court, but indicated that it was "festival time" and the store was busy.

"I am sorry for coming here and wasting your time...I am willing to pay for my stupidity," Jack told the court.

Magistrate Stephens told Jack that the excuse of the store being busy is not an excuse as he is expected to make better decisions.