Costa Rican man fined for entering 'wrong house' in Caribbean Estate

Costa Rican national, Roy Compos, who entered the "wrong house" in the Caribbean Estate gated community in St Catherine after having too much to drink in December, has been fined $300,000 or three months' imprisonment for house breaking. 

The 23-year-old technician, who was staying in the community while employed at a port operator, pleaded guilty to house breaking with intent in the St Catherine Parish Court on Friday. 

His attorney Shelldon Campbell, with the aid of an interpreter, argued for leniency before Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne during the sentencing. 

“My client went out with friends to have drinks and he became intoxicated. He was confused in the community, where the houses are similar, and simply entered the wrong house. He had no intent to commit a crime but made an error in judgement,” Campbell said.

The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on December 30, 2024, when the complainant, a resident of Caribbean Estate in Greater Portmore, was awakened by an odour and saw Compos inside her home with a light.

The police were contacted, and Compos was arrested on suspicion of burglary.

The investigating officer told the court that there was no evidence of forced entry and nothing was reportedly stolen from the dwelling.

After reviewing the facts, Judge Alleyne reduced the charge from burglary to housebreaking, noting the absence of criminal intent and Compos' remorse. She also noted that being drunk was not a defence.  

- Rasbert Turner

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