Lynn Williams - Algoa FM
The man accused of defrauding two Spar franchises of more than R50 million gave the court reasons why he should not serve jail time.
Jonathan Blow, 52, appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Gqeberha on Tuesday, on two counts of fraud.
Blow, a family friend of Peter and Paul Barnes, who owned the Sundridge and Despatch Spar, stole the money between September 2020 and March last year.
He took to the stand for the first time since his arrest and apologised for the emotional and financial distress he caused the Barnes families.
"I will never forgive myself for what I did and because of the guilt, I have contemplated suicide on various occasions," he said.
Blow also told the court that he has a gambling addiction, which was confirmed by a psychologist.
"I was exposed to gambling by my father from a young age. I eventually started gambling but then it spiralled out of control."
He added that he had a traumatic upbringing and that the responsibility to look after his mother before she died in 2016, rested squarely on his shoulders.
After attributing his addiction to his childhood, he then told the court that imposing a custodial sentence on him would not be beneficial to anyone, even the victims.
"I have been in custody for 10 months and in this time I have had time to reflect on my actions. I also have not gambled since. I have thought of ways in which I could be of good use to the community and to the Barnes families. I will start a support group for gamblers and also find work so that I can repay my debt."
Psychologist Iain Reid also testified in court and said Blow's addiction spiraled out of control during the Covid-19 pandemic when he turned to online gambling.
"The recommendation is custodial sentence however, the court can take into consideration that he has pleaded guilty and that he is a first-time offender."
During a previous appearance brothers Peter and Paul Barnes asked the court to impose a maximum sentence.
Defense attorney, Anlen Jarman asked the court that the suggested sentence by the state of 15 years each for the two counts of fraud, run concurrently.
Blow will have to wait until 7 March to hear his fate.
