PHILIPSBURG--The Court of Appeals confirmed on Tuesday the conviction of a 35-year-old man on charges of theft with violence and extortion.
The Court of First Instance had sentenced Gerald P. Richards on July 22 to 30 months, 15 of which were suspended on three years’ probation, with Parole Board guidance and payment of US $70 in compensation to the victim.
Richard appealed the sentence but during the appeal hearing, which took place December 10, Solicitor-General Taco Stein recommended that the Court uphold the verdict.
In Tuesday’s ruling, the Court of Appeals stated it found it legally and convincingly proven that Richards had robbed his victim of $70 on February 6.
It was also found proven that the victim was threatened with an object which was covered by a towel. This object could have been a firearm.
Besides, the victim was also threatened verbally. “Pass the money or I shoot you,” his assailant had said.
The victim had pointed at Richards as the culprit. He said he had recognized him despite the late hour, as both Richards and he lived in the same neighbourhood.
Richards, who was represented in this case by attorney Safira Ibrahim, denied the charges. He claimed he had not even been near the scene of the crime, but had been playing at a casino at the time.
