MONTEGO BAY, St James — Described as known thieves, Oneil Dennis and Jason Stephenson pleaded guilty to stealing two motorcycles from Irwin Police Station in St James but Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton has decided not to send them to prison.

Instade the judge is hoping that having them watched for the next two years will make them change their ways.

“For the next two years, you will be working with the probation officers to become better citizens. I do that because I understand that both of you never had an easy upbringing, especially you, Mr Stephenson,” Fairclough-Hylton told the men when they appeared before her in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday.

“There comes a point in life when you put your past behind you and work towards a better future,” she added before allowing the men to leave the courtroom.

In arriving at her ruling, Fairclough-Hylton had considered the contents of social enquiry reports, which portrayed both men unfavourably within their community.

Dennis, it is said, has repeatedly been linked to incidents of larceny despite warnings from community members.

Stephenson was described as a known thief and a negative influence, while residents claimed criminal activity and break-ins had increased following Dennis’s return to the area. The report further noted that Stephenson has an uncle who is regarded as a seasoned thief.

According to the prosecution, the theft of the motorcycles was discovered about 7:00 am on October 3, 2025, when police realised that the bikes — which were being stored at the station — had gone missing. The case took a significant turn the following day when one of the motorcycles was recovered from a man who told police he had recently purchased it from Dennis.

On November 12, police spotted Dennis at his home and attempted to apprehend him, but he fled. He was eventually arrested on April 7 and, while being questioned under caution, reportedly told investigators that he had obtained the motorcycle from Stephenson.

Eight days later, on April 15, Stephenson voluntarily reported to the police station. During an interview, under caution, he allegedly admitted that he and Dennis had removed the motorcycles from the police compound. He reportedly told investigators that Dennis pushed the motorcycles out of the station and that he assisted in taking them from the property.

A third motorcycle, which Stephenson claimed belonged to him and had previously been seized by police, was also removed from the compound. However, no charge was laid in relation to that motorcycle.