As she pondered what to do with Wilbert Joseph Pickering as he stood in the High Court prisoner’s dock on Tuesday, Justice Rita Joseph-Olivetti didn’t have any easy options.
The 32-year-old has appeared in court several times for allegedly breaking in to supermarkets, and he suffers from a substance abuse problem, Crown Counsel Jude Hanley said.
Mr. Pickering perviously was ordered to attend treatment at the Sandy Lane Centre but while out pending sentence on one burglary charge, he reportedly burglarised another establishment, according to the prosecutor.
Social Development Department officials don’t believe that Her Majesty’s Prison is the best place for Mr. Pickering, but his refusal to attend treatment is problematic, Ms. Joseph-Olivetti said.
Instead of prison, Ms. Joseph-Olivetti ordered the SDD to arrange for Mr. Pickering to undergo a psychological evaluation, warning him to show up for the meeting.
“If you don’t go, then I’ll send you to prison,” she said. “It’s not a question.”
She ordered him to return to court on March 28.
See the Feb. 9, 2012 edition for full coverage.