Man gets two and half years in prison for break-ins at church in Portmore

A Portmore, St Catherine man who pleaded guilty to breaking into a church twice and stealing items was on Thursday sentenced to two years and six months’ imprisonment.

Robert Barnett, otherwise called ‘Mogo’, was charged with one count of sacrilege and one count of housebreaking with intent.

During sentencing, Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne read his social enquiry report and described it as very unfavourable.

It was noted that despite his mental health history, the report indicated that he was fit to plead.

“From this report, the community said nothing good about you. In fact, your family said that without your medication, you have even threatened to burn their house,” Alleyne said.

Barnett begged for a non-custodial sentence.

“I want to realise my dream, so mi need fi go a road,” Barnett said.

Barnett was subsequently sentenced.

The judge recommended that he be housed at the psychiatric wing of the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.

The facts are that on September 13, 2025, Barnett broke into the Portmore Missionary Church, and the matter was reported to the police.

He returned to the church on September 24 and was apprehended and handed over to the police.

He stole a keyboard, a Bluetooth speaker, a rake, and other items.

Barnett was subsequently arrested and later charged following a question-and-answer session.

- Rasbert Turner

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