‘I was high and frustrated’ – unemployed man jailed for gas station robbery

Shawn Bascom was on Wednesday sentenced to three years imprisonment for the robbery committed at the Falls Gas Station at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara on June 9, 2019.

Bascom, who did not have legal representation, told Magistrate Faith McGusty that he was “high and frustrated” and decided to commit the robbery because he is unemployed.

“No risk, no reward,” Bascom told the Magistrate after pleading guilty to the offence which stated that while being in the company of another, he robbed Zing Fei of $500,000, property Chein Ting Fei, the Chief Executive Officer.

In pleading for a light prison sentence, Bascom said he wanted to see his 4-year-old daughter for Father’s Day and also needed money for his sick father.

Police Prosecutor, Ceon Blackman said the Shift Supervisor Zing Fei exited the gas station at around 21:05 hrs with the day’s sales when he was attacked by Bascom and another man who choked him.

The court heard that Bascom took away the bag with money and attempted to escape when he was confronted by the security guard at the gas station.

The Police were summoned and Bascom was arrested with the money in his possession while his accomplice escaped.

The Magistrate imposed a three-year sentence and said to Bascom: “he who take the benefit, must also take the burden.”

The Prosecutor did not reveal Bascom’s age or address in court.