By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 51-year-old Belize City man described by the court as a “seasoned criminal” has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment after admitting to stealing over $100 worth of items from a Kings Park grocery store.
Kenroy Cooke, a labourer of 15th Street in the Kings Park area, pleaded guilty to theft when he appeared unrepresented before the court. He wasted no time in accepting responsibility and threw himself at the mercy of the court, explaining that he had no job and felt compelled to steal.
The incident occurred on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at J&W Shopping Mart located on Sixth Street. According to reports, the store owner was alerted by a customer that someone was actively stealing items. After reviewing surveillance footage, the owner saw Cooke inside the store pushing a cart, selecting items, placing them into bags, and leaving without paying.
The stolen items included three Irish Spring soaps valued at $6.00, eight dog leashes worth $88.00, a Degree deodorant priced at $8.99, and a Fabric Paradise spray valued at $10.95, totaling $113.98.
Police later reviewed the footage, and Cooke was identified and subsequently detained and charged with theft.
In court, Cooke told the magistrate, “No working going on right now and so…” implying his actions were driven by his circumstances. However, the Senior Magistrate made it clear that financial hardship was no justification for theft, especially given Cooke’s extensive criminal history.
The court noted that Cooke has seven previous convictions for crimes of dishonesty. With this latest offense, he now carries eight such convictions. As a result, the court ruled that a fine was inappropriate and instead imposed a custodial sentence.
Starting from a base sentence of 12 months, the magistrate granted a one-third reduction for Cooke’s early guilty plea, bringing the sentence down to eight months imprisonment. The court also ordered that any outstanding fines owed by Cooke be served concurrently with his prison term, meaning he will not face additional time beyond the eight months.
Cooke began serving his sentence immediately.
The post ‘Seasoned thief’ gets 8 months for $100 shoplifting spree; He politely filled his cart with soap, deodorant and 8 dog leashes then left appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Breaking Belize News Staff: A 51-year-old Belize City man described by the court as a “seasoned criminal” has been sentenced to eight months imprisonment after admitting to stealing over $100 worth of items from a Kings Park grocery store. Kenroy Cooke, a labourer of 15th Street in the Kings Park area, pleaded guilty to
The post ‘Seasoned thief’ gets 8 months for $100 shoplifting spree; He politely filled his cart with soap, deodorant and 8 dog leashes then left appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
