KINGSTON, Jamaica — A teenager who used a knife to rob a woman of her bag in downtown Kingston was ordered to undergo probation for three years when his case was called up in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

The judge also ordered that he be enrolled in a skills training and reading programme during the period.

Eighteen-year-old Akon Beckett pleaded guilty to robbery with aggravation and carrying an offensive weapon when he appeared before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell.

According to court documents, the complainant was walking through downtown Kingston when she felt she was being followed by Beckett. The complainant then stopped at a stall to determine if Beckett was following her to which he stopped behind her. He then used a knife to rob her of her phone and her bag with $20,000.

Beckett was taken into police custody shortly after by an officer who observed him behaving in a manner that aroused suspicion while carrying the handbag.

Questioned by Judge Burrell, the teenager told the court that he was last enrolled in school in June 2024 but did not graduate. His mother further explained that she had moved him from the school he was at due to tensions in that section of the downtown community. She added that he was to start a Career Advancement Programme (CAP) in September but was arrested shortly after.

The teenager said it was his first time attempting to rob someone and claimed that he did it because he had no money.

“You realise you’re not good at it?” Judge Burrell pointed out. “So when you’re not good at something what do you do?”

“Leave it alone,” he responded.

Judge Burrell then made a probation order for three years and fined him $3,000 or 10 days in prison for offensive weapon charge.

“Young man, let’s see if we can save your life,” Judge Burrell said.

— Kelsey Thomas