Tattoo artist appeals fencing verdict

PHILIPSBURG – Rikinaldo Francesco M. will hear on April 25 whether the common Court of Justice finds him guilty of fencing looted goods after Hurricane Irma and of ill-treating his mother. In November, the court in first Instance sentenced the 46-year old tattoo artist to 9 months of imprisonment and the payment of 500 guilders in damages to his mom.

M. was arrested in September and has almost served his complete sentence. He nevertheless appealed the verdict. “I did not loot or fence anything and the thing with my mother was a misunderstanding,” he told the court on Wednesday.

Investigators found TVs, phones, a fridge and other electronics at the defendant’s home on Carnation Road in September. “These are personal belongings; I’ve had them for years,’ the talkative defendant claimed.

The solicitor-general dismissed the idea that the ill-treatment of the defendant’s mother was a misunderstanding. “The mother fears the moment he gets out of jail again. He asked the court to confirm the verdict of the lower court; it includes mandatory treatment at turning Point for alcohol addiction.

Attorney Marlon Hart emphasized his client’s opinion that the Court in First Instance had unjustly convicted him. “He had proof of payment for practically all electronics that have been seized from his home.” The attorney also called on psychological duress and the lack of intention for the alleged ill-treatment of the mother.

The solicitor-general pointed out that M. has an extensive criminal record and that he sees no reason to mitigate the punishment.