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by pltm
(PLTM) - A 24-year-old Carrot Bay man, who was today sentenced to a $500 fine for harbouring an illegal immigrant, begged Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin for mercy, telling her, “I did it out of love.”
Travis Osbourne, a student who is on scholarship at the Florida International University studying construction, pleaded guilty to the charge of harbouring his girlfriend who is in the Territory illegally.
According to the facts, on July 31 during a search of the house in which the young man lived, his undocumented girlfriend was found. She told the police that she came to the island on a private boat with Osbourne, who is currently on vacation from university.
His Attorney, Patricia Archibald-Bowers pleaded for leniency from the court, telling the Magistrate, “He is a bright young man.”
In seeking mercy from Magistrate Benjamin, Osbourne admitted that he knew what he did was wrong.
“I was acting out of love, not thinking of the consequences.”
He went on to state that the young woman, who was previously charged for illegal entry, is his girlfriend “with whom I plan to spend the rest of my life.”
The Magistrate informed him that taking into consideration his personal circumstances, a custodial sentence is not necessary, and fined him $500 with an alternative of 30 days in prison.
She told him that it is unfortunate that he has been “caught up with the law” as he is a young man with promising potential, but commended him for owning up to his crime.
