Juniqua Lloyd-Saddler Receives Sentence for Employee Theft

The legal proceedings against Juniqua Lloyd-Saddler of Newton Ground, St. Kitts, culminated in a sentencing hearing on July 4, 2025, at the High Court in Basseterre. Presiding over the case was His Lordship Justice Iain Morley, KC. Ms. Lloyd-Saddler was charged with the offense of Larceny by Servant, stemming from incidents that occurred on June 26, 2022, and January 17, 2023. This type of larceny refers to the theft of property by an employee from their employer, representing a breach of trust inherent in the employment relationship. The court heard evidence and arguments pertaining to the specific details of the acts of larceny committed by Ms. Lloyd-Saddler.

The court imposed a sentence that balanced punitive measures with an opportunity for rehabilitation. Ms. Lloyd-Saddler received a fourteen (14) month prison sentence, suspended for twelve (12) months. This means that the prison sentence would only be activated if Ms. Lloyd-Saddler commits another offense within the twelve-month suspension period. This provision allows for a degree of leniency while also serving as a deterrent against future criminal activity. The suspended sentence recognizes the seriousness of the offense while simultaneously offering a chance for Ms. Lloyd-Saddler to remain within the community and avoid incarceration, provided she adheres to the law.

In addition to the suspended prison sentence, the court also imposed a substantial financial penalty. Ms. Lloyd-Saddler was fined EC $16,100 (sixteen thousand one hundred Eastern Caribbean dollars), with a deadline of fourteen (14) days to pay the fine in full to Unicomer, the affected party. Unicomer, a major retailer in the Caribbean region, was presumably the employer from whom Ms. Lloyd-Saddler stole the property. The fine serves as restitution for the financial losses incurred by Unicomer due to Ms. Lloyd-Saddler’s actions.

The court also provided for an alternative consequence in the event that Ms. Lloyd-Saddler failed to pay the fine within the stipulated timeframe. If the fine remained unpaid after fourteen days, she would be subject to a six (6) month prison sentence. This provision ensures the enforcement of the court’s judgment and underscores the seriousness with which the court views both the offense and the financial restitution to the victim. It provides a strong incentive for Ms. Lloyd-Saddler to prioritize the payment of the fine to avoid incarceration.

The details of the larceny itself, including the specific items stolen and their value, were not disclosed in the provided information. The court considered these details during the sentencing process, as the nature and value of the stolen property typically influence the severity of the punishment. Additional mitigating or aggravating factors, such as Ms. Lloyd-Saddler’s prior criminal record or any expressions of remorse, may have also been considered by the court.

This case highlights the legal consequences of employee theft, emphasizing the importance of trust and integrity in the workplace. The court’s decision reflects a balanced approach to sentencing, combining punishment with the possibility of rehabilitation. The suspended sentence and the fine, with the alternative of imprisonment for non-payment, represent a comprehensive response to the offense, aiming to hold Ms. Lloyd-Saddler accountable while also encouraging her to make amends and avoid future criminal behaviour. The case serves as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to engage in similar acts of larceny and underscores the legal protections afforded to employers against employee theft.