BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - ALTHOUGH Trevor Hector's appeal against conviction was dismissed, his persistent plea got him reduced time and he would now be spending one year less in prison.
Hector's appeal was heard last Wednesday (Mar. 14) at the Basseterre High Court, where the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court of Appeal is currently sitting. He was convicted of housebreaking.
The convict represented himself while the prosecution team was lead by Director of Public Prosecution Pauline Hendrickson with the Court of Appeal being headed by Chief Justice Hugh Rawlins.
Hector, in his argument, explained that the judge's definition of housebreaking, in which he said "any interference with the security of a building to gain entry", was never proven.
He explained that on the night in question, he was carrying a computer monitor when he was met by police officers who said that the item was stolen from a nearby building.
Hector maintained he had found the item.
The appellant said he felt as though he was the scapegoat in the crime because of his past run-ins with the law.
Hector argued that having the items in his possession did not mean he was the one who committed the crime, and he was seeking to have his conviction overturned based on the lack of evidence presented during trial.
He then claimed that the majority of the jury knew him and had already made up in their minds that he was guilty long before the trial was over.
Hector then argued that his sentence was too harsh when considering what he was convicted of.
Making a passionate plea, Hector said he was incarcerated since 2007 and had been through a lot since then.
He also said that the prison is being filled with "youngsters" and it is not easy being among them.
He also said he is approaching the age where he could no longer do the things that he did in the past and he would like the opportunity to make the best of whatever life and health he has left, noting that "prison is not for me".
"It is sad to see that one had to reach to prison to realise these things, but I did," he said.
Hector explained that he once had a problem with substance abuse, but since his incarceration he had put measures in place to help combat his problem and is now clean. He also explained that he received counselling from a number of persons and has found a higher power.
"Jesus plays an important role in my walk of life today. The way I use to see things in life, I no longer see them that way anymore," he stated.
"I would just like a chance to better myself," he added.
Chief Justice Rawlins did not allow the prosecution team to make any arguments, but instead dismissed the appeal.
He however reduced Hector's nine and a half year sentence by one year.
"That should be encouragement to you to walk a different path and make something of yourself," the Chief Justice said.
