Several people appeared yesterday morning before the criminal court of Saint Martin in connection with post-Irma looting cases.

Yesterday morning a single judge hearing was devoted mainly to cases of looting committed after Hurricane Irma. Vice-Prosecutor Yves Paillard was clear from his first indictment. “There is no justification for these thefts or receiving stolen goods. For the prosecution, there is no admissible excuse, "he said.

“I don't see the point of having seven desk lamps when we don't have electricity. (…) While we say we have lost our house or our apartment, we still find space to store stolen items, ”he commented. “Traders could have reopened a few days after Irma if they had not been looted. Partly Dutch, DIY stores were not looted and quickly reopened, ”he points out.

To foreigners, he will remind them that "in a country that welcomes them, one must respect its laws and asking for forgiveness is not enough". And to clarify to those who wished to profit from these flights that "France is already a generous country by granting allowances, by offering free care and schooling". Yves Paillard also clarified that the prohibition of French territory could not be an additional penalty in the context of theft or concealment cases. On the other hand, he hoped that the administrative authority would be able to assess the legal situation of foreign nationals when renewing their residence permit.

Among the defendants appeared three men and a woman from the Dominican Republic. All admitted the facts and those accused of concealment all admitted to knowing that the objects originated from theft.

At the end of the reading of their judgment, the sentenced persons received by hand a notification to exercise the hours of work of general interest.

(Source: www.soualigapost.com)

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