Man imprisoned for assault, double theft at supermarket

A 53-year-old man of no known place of abode was given a four-year sentence on Monday for his latest run-ins with the law, and after begging the court to place him in a safe haven from the streets.

Magistrate Shawn Innocent imposed a one-year custodial sentence for each of the four offences for which Ivan Govia Turnbull was charged — unlawful assault, armed with an offensive weapon, and two counts of theft.

Of the four-year sentence, the offender will only spend a total of 12 months at the Her Majesty’s Prison because all his sentences will run concurrently, or side by side.

What the court heard happened

The court heard that Govia Turnbull stole three cases of water from Bobby’s Supermarket on August 8, this year.

During that time, he used a knife to assault a security officer who attempted to prevent him from stealing from the Road Town-based establishment.

A fight ensued between the two men and the security officer eventually subdued him and called the police.

Both were treated at hospital and Govia Turnbull was later charged.

The other theft matter reportedly occurred on April 19 also at Bobby’s Supermarket.

He stole two bags containing groceries belonging to a female shopper.

Only one bag was retrieved when police met him in the Ghetto/Crabbe Lot area of Road Town sometime after.

The other bag that reportedly contained two avocados, a comb, a bottle of juice, a doll, hair cream and an aeroplane ticket was never found.

The total cost of the items was $256, the court heard.

“I just need a safe haven,” Govia Turnbull said while appealing to the court for help.

When handing down the sentence, Magistrate Innocent said Govia Turnbull showed some remorse. He added: “I think you have the intent to change your life but you have to try harder.”

As part of the conditions of sentencing, the offender is to attend counselling at the prison for alcohol addiction.