Woes catch up with her who's fast on the glass

Seven jurors are asked to spend time away from work or home to hear the woes of a woman wanting to have a drink.

In the case filed against Elinta Nekaifes, it narrates the sad plight of an adult who is dealing with a drinking problem with a meager income.

Cashier Lolita Bagasona told the jury that last October 3, 1997 she saw Nekaifes and another woman entering the Mobil Mart in Tanapag past 12 midnight.

The defendant, who appeared to be a young grandmother, went to get a Paul Mason wine. Since she placed it somewhere in her pocket, the gas attendant promptly called her attention, took the wine away from her and returned it back to the shelve.

Meanwhile, the other woman who came in at the same time with Nekaifes, was a familiar face to the witness.

Bagasona had a brief encounter with her when she refused to sell alcohol past 10 PM. She then threatened the cashier and took betel nut on her way out.

During their second meeting in October, she showed Bagasona a knife before she can call 911.

While this commotion near the cashier desk took place, Nekaifes retrieved the Paul Mason from the shelve and picked some eggs on her way out. The gas attendant was already busy protecting Bagasona to stop her from taking the wine without paying.

What appeared to be a petty theft was recorded in the three cameras stationed inside the store. While the children were hopefully tucked in bed, two mothers were out in the street.

Yesterday, Nekaifes was sandwiched by the two public defenders, while the jury will decide if she can get another drink.