Portmore Man Jailed for Repeated Church Break-Ins in St Catherine

A resident of Portmore, St Catherine, has been sentenced to two years and six months behind bars after admitting to breaking into a church on two separate occasions and stealing several items.

The accused, Robert Barnett, also known as “Mogo,” faced charges of sacrilege and housebreaking with intent. His sentencing was handed down on Thursday in the parish court.

Presiding over the matter, Senior Parish Court Judge Desiree Alleyne reviewed a social enquiry report which painted a negative picture of the offender’s behaviour and reputation. While acknowledging his history of mental health challenges, the report confirmed that Barnett was competent to enter a plea.

According to Judge Alleyne, feedback from both community members and relatives raised serious concerns about his conduct. She noted claims that he had made threats against his own family when not taking prescribed medication.

Barnett appealed to the court for leniency, expressing a desire to pursue personal goals outside of incarceration. However, the court proceeded with a custodial sentence.

In addition to the prison term, the judge recommended that Barnett be placed in the psychiatric unit at the St Catherine Adult Correctional Centre.

The court heard that on September 13, 2025, Barnett unlawfully entered the Portmore Missionary Church, prompting a report to the police. He later returned to the same location on September 24, where he was caught and handed over to law enforcement.

Items taken during the incidents included a keyboard, a Bluetooth speaker, a rake, and other belongings. Following his arrest, Barnett was formally charged after a question-and-answer interview with investigators.