34 year-old Michael Stevens, a resident of Ladyville, narrowly escaped a stiff sentence today for allegedly escaping from lawful custody at the Ladyville Police Station.
According to the police officer on diary duties, on January 7, Stevens was detained, as a result of an ongoing investigation for a robbery.
The officer said that he saw Stevens exiting the station unlawfully, because they had not released him. As a result, he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith for the charge of escaping lawful custody.
He initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but he changed his plea to guilty with an explanation. He said that he never broke any laws because according to him, a police officer opened the door to the cell block and told him that he could leave, which he did.
Chief Magistrate Smith sentenced him to a fine of $200 which he must pay by June 29, or he risks 2 months imprisonment if he defaults.
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