Repeat burglar sentenced to 32 months in prison
Michael Ashby being escorted from court on Wednesday, August 15.
Main Street resident Michael Ashby was sentenced to 32 months at Her Majesty’s Prison for burglarizing a home and a restaurant earlier this year.
Magistrate Shawn Innocent imposed the custodial sentence when the offender appeared in court on Monday.
He was given 20 months for breaking into a Diamond Estate residence and taking of three flat-screen televisions on June 16. The house was said to be under repairs at the time of the incident.
A further breakdown of the sentence shows Ashby being slapped with an additional 12 months in prison for breaking and entering a restaurant in Baugher’s Bay on May 15, and stealing stole close to $900 worth of alcoholic beverages.
Magistrate Innocent ordered that his prison sentence start from the day he was first remanded — August 15.
The custodial sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve the two sentences at the same time and NOT back-to-back.
Discount
Ashby’s 32-month sentence is the result of a discount on what could have been a harsher penalty, Magistrate Innocent said. The magistrate said Ashby’s early guilty plea and show of remorse qualified him for the discount.
The magistrate said Ashby being imprisoned and not fined serves as a deterrent to like-minded offenders.
Prior to being sentenced, Ashby had read a letter to the court asking for leniency, describing his actions as a “stupid mistake that will not happen again”.
Attorney-at-law Reynela Rawlins represented Ashby.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
That young man needs SERIOUS help. He has been in the business for far too long. Begging for leniency and stating that he will not repeat his foolish mistake? Please!
I know because I am one of his v——, traumatized by the memory of when he s—- from me a long time ago.
Too lenient. Burglary and housebreaking are rife in these islands. Five years minimum, ten years for a second offense.
You should go become a magistrate rubber head!
You never satisfy, case close, leave it so.
When the man get free, go look for him and let him know you want him back in prison.
LOL!!! Good one “What ever”. On a serious note, the increase in crime is a reflection of how the economy is doing, but this is still not an excuse to steal from others. A standard must be set so that others are not influenced to repeat the same scenario like this gentleman. A longer sentence like what “Rubber Duck” stated should be implemented, to deter others from repeating the same mistake. This ruling was inadequate to fit the two crimes he already committed.
God don’t sleep
The reason he was able to repeat the crime was because the Magistrate is handing down light sentences just playing with the criminal when criminals arrive in court.
Magistrate, stop wasting our money. People need to respect the law not mock it.