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by pltm
(PLTM) - A businessman who hails from Anguilla is pleading for a non-custodial sentence after pleading guilty to the possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct, among other charges.
Kirk Hughes, who was arraigned with the charges last week when he pleaded guilty, and his legal representative, made his final submissions for mitigation today, September 24 at the Magistrate’s Court.
He was also slapped with charges related to facilitating the smuggling of illegal immigrants into the Territory and overstaying his time.
According to reports, Hughes was identified by persons who illegally entered the Territory as their facilitator. Upon his apprehension by police, and searches to several of his rented properties, some $43,831 was uncovered.
In presenting his mitigation plea, Attorney Leroy Jones pointed to several similar cases where the defendants were sentenced to pay fees instead of jail time. He also asked that the court to consider that his client had not wasted the court’s time, and that he is of good character and remorseful.
The Attorney expressed concern over the impact that a jail sentence may have on his client’s business, telling the court that he owns a hotel and tourist season is approaching.
