GREAT BAY – In the night from January 2 to 3 Atiel Ricardo Smithen burglarized the Lazy Lizard beach bar and grill on the Boardwalk, together with 25-year old A.R.B. Yesterday, Smithen stood already in front of the judge, who gave him a 4-month prison sentence, with 2 months suspended, supervision by turning Point and by the probation office. The sentence was on a par with the demand by prosecutor Karola van Nie.
The superfast justice the system served Smithen is unique in St. Maarten’s recent criminal history. Never before did a criminal appear in court so shortly after committing a crime. Smithen was arrested last week Wednesday, five days after his partner in crime fell into the hands of the police.
The homeless defendant told the court that he had burgled the place because he was hungry. He drank a couple of beers and stole some small change.
Prosecutor Van Nie said that the two burglars caused $5,000 in damages to the shutters of the bar. The second burglar still has to appear in court.
Attorney Safira Ibrahim asked the court to make the sentence wholly conditional but the judge was not prepared to go along.
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Fast justice for Lazy Lizard burglar
