Suspended Sentence For Offensive Weapons
Appearing in Magistrates Court today [Mar 20] 22 year Zacchaeus Rawlins was given a suspended sentence after being convicted of possessing offensive weapons, namely a kitchen knife and a construction hammer with a hatchet blade on the other side.
In his previous Court appearance, the Court heard that he was wielding the weapons in January 2014 as his girlfriend “hugged up some guy.”
Security Officers working at the Bistro Bar on Front Street had seen Rawlins crossing Front Street and approaching the establishment with a weapon in each hand.
They stopped him, disarmed him, and called police. During this process, Rawlins told them, “My girlfriend hugged up some guy. I want to split his head.” Later, to police, he admitted having the two items and he told police, “I just wanted to scare her.”
The Court also heard that Rawlins worked with his father who ran a painting business and that the two items were ordinary tools of the trade and were usually carried on Rawlins bike as he went about his work as a painter.
This offence can carry time in prison, however Rawlins defence lawyer argued for a non-immediate custodial sentence, saying there was no harm to any victim, he was remorseful, he was under the influence of alcohol, and that he has no previous criminal record.
Noting there were special circumstances, Senior Magistrate Archie Warner sentenced him to two years in prison, which is suspended for two years. He also imposed a two year probation period.
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Why even have laws if they’re not going to be enforced?
What would have happened if the security officers had not disarmed him?
Meanwhile Minister Dunkley has passed a law to arrest parolees SMH!!!!!
Wahhhhta!!! Seriously Judge?!
Oh ya.. when I had my painting business I used kitchen knives and bladed hammers all the time.. the old “Its my work tool” excuse is still working I see. You gotta be F&^% kidding me man..
HE ACTED IN A THREATENING VIOLENT MANNER WITH NOT ONE, BUT TWO OFFENSIVE WEAPONS!!! No wonder these fools carryon the way they do… SMFH SMFH
Well,….never mind
All suspended sentences for crimes against members of the community should include mandatory community service hours for the length of the suspended sentence. Teach them a lesson by making them contribute and making a positive impact on their community rather than negative.
Great idea!!!
Fishing in the wrong place (see previous Bernews story) gets a bigger fine than threatening with a bladed weapon.
Judges are scared!!
What ever happened to the automatic 3 years????
I’d like to know also. Doesn’t mandatory mean just that? No “ifs ands or buts”
Mr. Archie Warner must step down! he releases harden criminals and the likes far too often and then “we’lot” wonder why all this sh-t continues to happen
A kitchen knife and a construction hammer with a hatchet blade on the other side. Suspended sentence, only in Bermuda.
Well…….I guess this kid must be connected or something. Two weapons?
A mandatory sentence is pushed to the side for what other reason. He admitted the crime and intent and we just had a double death last week.
What is the message we are sending the public? And our young men?
Somebody get rid of Warner please.
I guess when people say “the law is the law”, they are completely wrong. Mandatory sentences are wrong anyway in that if applied they leave no room for discretion, like if you forgot your tools in the trunk, or you just bought a machete in town and are riding home etc. Running at a dude hugging your girl, with a hatchet and kitchen knife, you should expect to have the book thrown at you. No mention of counseling for alcohol and anger issues?
Anyone notice “The Beach” wasn’t directly named in this article?