Wakima Lettsome was instructed to enter an anger management programme at Her Majesty’s Prison at Balsam Ghut when he appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on March 28, 2014 on assault charges. Photo: VINO

Lettsome, currently serving a 20-year prison term for wounding with intent, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm when he appeared before the court. The incident occurred in October 2013 at the prison.

Lettsome was reportedly isolated for over 80 days stemming from an earlier incident last year and after isolation went back to his cell and noticed things were removed.

The prisoner reportedly pushed a female and flung a stone at someone at the prison. Lettsome told the court that he shoved the woman because she had violated his personal space.

The court heard that he is currently in isolation at the prison.

Magistrate Dr Velon L. John told the defendant that there was no justification for him pushing the woman.

“The problem is that you think that you are brilliant,” Magistrate John chided the man, “you are quite articulate and that could be the reason you are getting into trouble with other prisoners.” He told Lettsome that he was too bright for his own good and suggested he take examples from philosophers such as Aristotle and Socrates who were brilliant but humble.

The Magistrate further suggested that Lettsome should be helping other prisoners and should be teaching some classes at the prison. He also encouraged him to study law while telling Lettsome that many of the guys at the prison would love to learn from him and he could still make a name for himself as all is not lost.

He was then instructed to spend six months in the anger management programme at the prison.