The young man who was reportedly caught burglarising a house and beaten by civilians in Carellie, Castries on Wednesday, was gainfully employed and was on sick leave when he committed the crime, reliable sources have told St. Lucia News Online (SNO).
Benjamin Joseph, 23, of Agard/Morne Du Don, Castries was on Friday charged for the offences of stealing from dwelling house and damage to property.
He is currently in police custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 14, 2015.
Joseph has been an employee of Real Foods Inc., operator of KFC in Saint Lucia, since April 2015 as a team member in the restaurant department.
Joseph accidentally cut his finger on the job and was granted five days of sick leave by his employer. He committed the crime on the second day of his five-day sick leave, according to sources.
Joseph, who previously worked part-time for a bakery in Castries, was reportedly caught burglarising a house and tied up. The police was called, but before they arrived he was beaten by several men with sticks.
The beating was caught on camera and published online, evoking an intense discussion over vigilante justice.
Persons close to the accused told SNO that they’re surprised he was caught stealing because he was gainfully employed. Others claimed that Joseph suffered from mental issues or may have been under an evil spell.