Sark burglar "violates family's sanctuary"

Thursday 08 February 2018

A 19 year old has been sentenced to 18 months youth detention for breaking into two family homes on Sark.

Umar McGill stole a total of £282 worth of money and goods from the houses, in an unusual criminal case for the island.

McGill had been living on the island in a tent since last summer, while he had been working as a waiter. On the night he committed the offences, he is reported to have been drinking heavily at the Mermaid Tavern before leaving and entering the two unlocked premises.

Defending McGill, Advocate Roffey asked Judge Finch and the Jurats to consider a suspended scentence for him as he had a new life lined up with his family in Scotland, but Judge Finch said that was entirely unrealistic for this crime.

"Sark is usually a very safe place, free from the activities of house burglars, it is only right that we do what we can to keep it that way," he said.

Judge Finch also pointed to the fact that McGill initially entered a not guilty plea, before changing it further down the line.

It was revealed during the Royal Court sentencing that McGill has been diagnosed with PTSD during his time in custody. This has been attributed to his involvement in a gang from the age of 11. His defence lawyer also described a difficult family life.

However, a victim impact statement quoted one of the families, who had had their house broken into, saying while they were obviously upset about the material objects having been stolen, the real thing they felt they had lost was their sense of security, and the "sanctuary" that was their family home.

Along with the time he will spend in youth detention, compensation for McGIll's victims was also ordered.

The items stolen consisted of petty cash, cigarettes, and a Leatherman knife.