Select a region
A burglar, who claimed he was attempting to foil a drugs plot, has been jailed for four years after stealing designer items from a house, escaping on a child's scooter, and threatening to bite Police officers in a barn standoff.
Paul David William Le Geyt (28) was yesterday sentenced in the Royal Court for illegal entry and larceny, obstructing a police officer, illegal entry with intent and possession of MDMA and cannabis.
His conviction came following a three-day trial resulting in a ‘guilty’ verdict. The jury found that Le Geyt illegally entered a property in St. Peter and stole two designer watches and a camera lens from the family who lived there.
Crown Advocate Richard Pedley appeared for the prosecution and took the Court through the facts of the case.
Video: Paul David William Le Geyt leaving the Royal Court at an earlier occasion.
The incident took place last October when a man – believed to be Le Geyt’s unknown accomplice in the robbery – was seen climbing over the garden wall of the property and cycling back into town.
The occupants of the property were alerted to this and they returned home in time to apprehend Le Geyt who was leaving the house via the back entrance. One of the women pursued Le Geyt across the beach and when she caught up to him, he said, “Get off me, I’ll put you to the floor."
What then ensued was a Police pursuit of the man fitting Le Geyt’s description. He continued to flee from officers and – it was heard at trial – even resorted to using a child’s scooter to make his getaway.
When Le Geyt hid in a barn, a Police standoff gave rise to his arrest and it was at this point that “personal amounts” of MDMA and cannabis resin were found in his pocket. It was heard at his sentencing hearing that Le Geyt was maintaining his account given at Police interview and at trial that he was at the property to confront a "very dangerous individual", who was running an elaborate conspiracy to import drugs into the island in cahoots with a corrupt Customs officer – exploiting a young woman in the process.
In his own words, Le Geyt claimed he was "basically being a Police Officer" by going to confront this person whom he believed to be at the property.
The prosecutor noted that these allegations were "taken extremely seriously" and "a full investigation was carried out" but "nothing to support his account was discovered."
Pictured: Le Geyt told Police that he was trying to topple a "very dangerous individual" who was bringing drugs into the island.
Crown Advocate Pedley remarked that Le Geyt has an “appalling criminal record” and asked the Court to look at the defendant’s letter of remorse, saying “we have been here before."
The prosecutor also emphasised the impact that the offending has had on the householders whom Le Geyt stole from.
In a ‘victim personal statement’, the woman who chased Le Geyt down the beach said: “The incident left me feeling scared and very devastated and it will have long-lasting effects.
“The worst thing for me is that the second person has never been caught. I found myself overthinking about who the person is and why we have been targeted.”
She continued, saying that the property “was a family home, where I grew up, where I felt safe and comfortable.”
Her sister and mother – who still live at the property – said that as a result of the incident they have trouble sleeping and are “paranoid” that the house isn’t secure.
One statement read: “I keep checking doors and windows. I am anxious thinking what if they come again when we are asleep.
“This is one of the worst crimes to be a victim of as it has a devastating effect on [my] entire life.”
Pictured: Le Geyt has now been jailed for four years for the offences.
Crown Advocate Pedley therefore invited the Court to jail Le Geyt for five years.
Advocate Ian Jones, representing Le Geyt, argued that this recommendation is “evidently excessive.”
Within his submissions to the Court, the defence Advocate emphasised that “the mischief here was not that the homeowners were woken up and terrified at night,” but rather that his client had illegally entered an unoccupied house during the daytime.
The lawyer also disputed the Crown Advocate’s cynicism about Le Geyt’s remorse, describing the letter as “clear and uncompromising empathy and understanding of the effect his crimes have had.”
The Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq presided over the hearing, accompanied by Jurats Hughes, Averty, Olsen, Thomas and Pitman.
Handing down the decision, the Deputy Bailiff informed Le Geyt that he will be jailed for a total of four years for his offending. The full reasoning behind the Court's decision will be published in a written judgment at a later date.
Alleged burglar made a getaway on a kid's scooter
Defendant tells Police he was 'trying to topple drugs kingpin'
Accused storms out of witness box
Alleged burglar accused of creating "fairytale", as jury retires to consider verdict
Le Geyt found 'guilty' of burglary
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.