Man steals ‘Newsday’ because it sells fast

A 32-year-old man who stole Newsday newspapers because “it sells fast” was yesterday sentenced to three months’ hard labour by Port-of-Spain Magistrate David Harris. Kurt Coppin, of no fixed abode, was charged with stealing 12 copies of Newsday newspapers at Voyager Mall, Frederick Street, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. He was arrested and charged by PC Alexander of the Central Police Station.

Police prosecutor Cpl Surrendra Sagramsingh told the court that at 6.30 am vendor Ann Bishop was setting up her stand when the defendant snatched a bundle of Newsday newspapers and ran off. Bishop’s cries for help were heard by PC Alexander who immediately gave chase and caught the defendant a short distance away. Coppin was taken to the Central Police Station where he was charged.In response to the Magistrate’s question about why he stole the Newsday and not any of the other newspapers, Coppin said the Newsday sold more quickly.
The Magistrate before sentencing him indicated that the nature of the charge carried a sentence of up to six months’ imprisonment. He informed the defendant that due to his long list of convictions for similar offences he would serve three months’ imprisonment.