Homeless man's wish is granted

A homeless 27-year-old man was sentenced to 80 days in jail yesterday after pleading guilty to possession of an offensive weapon.

Crown counsel Dwayne Caines told Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves that on February 20, Cannoth Roberts was seen carrying a stick near the Bermuda Industrial Union building where Police were investigating a report of a fight.

At the scene, Roberts obstructed officers by refusing to submit to a search.

In court, Roberts lost his temper, shouting: "Lock me up Greaves! I've been doing good all this time!"

Roberts tried to leave the dock to go up and confront the magistrate, but was stopped by Police.

For carrying an offensive weapon, Roberts was fined $250 or 40 days in jail.

For obstruction of justice, he was fined $250 or 40 days in jail.

Roberts told the court he did not have any money to pay the fines.

Thief gets time to pay

A homeless man pleaded guilty in Magistrates' court yesterday to stealing a blanket from White and Sons Grocery store, in Warwick.

Eugene W. Spencer, 41, was fined $250 and given until Friday to pay the fine or serve 40 days in jail.

Yesterday, he told Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves: "I was camping and someone stole my blanket. It takes money to buy it and I didn't have any money."

"You are 41 man. Why don't you try and work?" Magistrate Greaves responded.

"I do side jobs for a little company," replied Spencer, explaining that he could not pay the fine.

"You have until Friday to pay or 40 days," said Mr. Greaves.

"I can't pay," said Spencer.

"You want me to lock you up now?" responded the Magistrate.

"No, I'll wait until Friday," said Spencer.

Spencer was arrested by Police near the old Belmont Hotel on March 19 with a flowered comforter set, still in it's packaging.