Makeel Marryshaw Receives Robbery Sentence

Makeel Marryshaw, a resident of Shear Lane in Basseterre, St. Kitts, has been sentenced to nine years imprisonment at His Majesty’s Prison for the crime of robbery. The incident took place on Princes Street, Basseterre, on March 5th, 2022. Marryshaw was formally charged on April 5th, 2022, and subsequently held on remand at the prison until his court proceedings. He ultimately entered a guilty plea on January 21st, 2025, acknowledging his involvement in the robbery. The sentencing was handed down by His Lordship Justice Iain Morley, KC, at the High Court in Basseterre on March 6th, 2025. As per standard sentencing procedures, the time Marryshaw spent on remand will be deducted from his overall nine-year sentence.

This case underscores the serious nature with which robbery is treated within the St. Kitts and Nevis legal system. Robbery, a violent crime that involves the unlawful taking of property from a person through force, intimidation, or threat, carries significant penalties. The nine-year sentence imposed on Marryshaw reflects the severity of the offense and aims to serve as both a punishment for the perpetrator and a deterrent to others who might consider engaging in similar criminal activity. The justice system aims to protect individuals and their property, maintaining social order and public safety.

The timeline of events in this case reveals a process that spans from the initial commission of the crime in March 2022 to the final sentencing in March 2025. This period includes the investigative phase, the formal charging of Marryshaw, his remand period, the eventual guilty plea, and the final sentencing. While the specifics of the robbery itself are not detailed in the available information, the fact that Marryshaw pleaded guilty suggests that the prosecution had compiled a compelling case against him. His decision to plead guilty likely factored into the sentencing considerations.

The role of His Lordship Justice Iain Morley, KC, was to preside over the sentencing phase of the trial. Taking into account the specifics of the case, the severity of the crime, any mitigating factors, and the applicable legal guidelines, Justice Morley determined the appropriate sentence. The principle of considering time served on remand is a standard practice within many legal systems. This practice acknowledges that the individual has already served a portion of their sentence while awaiting trial and prevents double punishment for that pre-trial detention period. It ensures a more equitable and just application of the law.

The mention of “sentencing guidelines” highlights the structured approach within the legal system to determining appropriate punishments for various offenses. These guidelines offer a framework for judges, ensuring consistency and fairness in sentencing. They take into consideration various factors, including the severity of the crime, the offender’s criminal history, any aggravating or mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense, and the potential for rehabilitation. While judges have some discretion within these guidelines, they provide a crucial foundation for ensuring proportionate and just sentences.

This case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in criminal activity. The nine-year sentence handed to Makeel Marryshaw underscores the commitment of the St. Kitts and Nevis judicial system to uphold the law and protect its citizens. While the specifics of the robbery remain undisclosed, the legal process followed, from the initial charge to the final sentencing, demonstrates the workings of the justice system in holding individuals accountable for their actions. The outcome in this case sends a clear message about the repercussions of committing serious crimes like robbery, emphasizing the importance of respecting the law and the rights of others.