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Jerome Kennedy told a courtroom Thursday that his client Charmaine Hudson has substantial community support. TC Media file photo
Kennedy told the court he considered Hudson’s case “a success story” in light of her actions following the arrest.
“This lady has the support of people in her community,” he said.
Short acknowledged the seriousness of her crimes, given Hudson was in a position of trust and made decisions that deprived the hospital of medication (the thefts did not reportedly impact the health of any patients).
However, he felt the cause of her addiction made the case unique. Taking into account her subsequent actions to improve her life, the community support behind her and the fact she’s back working at the hospital, Short felt there was no need to issue a sentence resulting in a criminal record.
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The judge also asked Hudson to consider using her experience to help others, pointing out those who’ve gone through hard times are often the people best equipped to make a difference.
Hudson was emotional following the decision, hugging supporters who accompanied her to the courthouse for the majority of her appearances over the last year-and-a-half.
The prosecution was looking for a two-month conditional sentence.