Yongster sent to Jail..

A seventeen year old was charged for 12 offenses on Monday - Theon Smith appeared before Acting Chief Magistrate Melissa Robertson in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court and charged with 12 counts of robbery, escaping from lawful custody, attempting to commit a felony and breaking and entering. On Thursday August 4 in Georgetown, Smith broke and entered the office of Dr Abraham and stole $ 6000 cash from Ravena Sarju. The prosecutor in the matter stated that on the day in question Sarju was at her workplace when the defendant went into the office through a window and stole the cash. At the time Sarju was in the office and upon seeing the defendant, she hid.
Smith also robbed Vineta Ramchand, armed with a gun, of a quantity of cash on August 8.

On Saturday August 16 in Georgetown, armed with a gun, he robbed Jenelle Andrews of a laptop among other items totaling $ 331,000.

On Monday September 29, also in Georgetown, armed with a knife, Smith robbed Nicola Persaud of seven gold rings valued $ 285,000, one gold chain valued $ 30,000, one gold band valued $ 20,000, and $ 17,000 in cash, all totalling $ 352,000.

It was also stated on Wednesday September 10 in Georgetown, being armed with a knife he robbed Sonia Jupiter of a quantity of items totalling $ 210,000.

He also robbed Shontel Deping, Natasha Nandlall , Nikita Husein, Molly Jeffer, Shellon August, Shannon McLennon, Condina Chesney and Tiffany Johnson.

He was sentenced to two years for escaping lawful custody and four years for attempting to commit a felony, in addition to the sentences for the robbery charges.The sentences totalled 61 years, but will run concurrently, so Smith will be imprisoned for only 15 years.

Jesus....... this long list and he is only 17 years old. This tells us a lot about the society we are living in. Still a teenager and he has a criminal sheet as long as some people's resume. Although I do feel people need to be punished for their actions, sending this teen into prison will not put an end to this country's increasing teenage crime dilemma. He needs rehabilitation, the society has a large role to play in this. If you send this youngster to prison with hardened criminals that is all he will know when he gets out. A young boy who will soon be brained washed.

With this increase in teen crimes Guyana should look into establishing an institution that will foster their growth, teach them a trade and offer them alternatives which would make it possible for them to contribute positively towards our society's development.