Court Convict accepted at Verdun House Barbados Today15/12/20200161 views Drug addict Eric Everton Junior Griffith is now in rehab. Justice Randall Worrell, today released the Durant’s Village, Holder’s Hill, St James resident into the care of officials at Verdun House. Griffith spent the last few weeks at the Psychiatric Hospital being assessed on his suitability for the programme after previously requesting help. It came after he pleaded not guilty to wounding with intent but guilty of unlawful wounding before the No. 2 Supreme Court. On his last appearance, Continuing Care Coordinator Kwayne Farrell of the Substance Abuse Foundation informed the court that Griffith was “a suitable candidate” for the programme. However, he first needed the nod of approval from doctors at the Psychiatric Hospital. When Griffith, who is in his 40s, reappeared today he was informed that he was an “appropriate” candidate for rehabilitation and it would be subsidized in part by the Government and benefactors. The judge made it clear to Griffith, that he had to stick to the programme as the court was giving him the opportunity to get the help he needed. “I will stick to the programme,” Griffith promised. “Thank you.” He will enroll in the three-month primary care programme at Verdun House which is a “highly-structured” residential initiative which deals with addiction among other things. On completion Griffith would need to qualify to enter the second phase of rehabilitation which lasts for six months and helps clients deal with reintegrating into society. This leads to the one-year nonresidential continuing care programme where clients would need to agree to, among other things, random drug testing. However, there is a three-strike system for those who do not comply with the rules which results in them facing the courts once again. Griffith has been ordered to return to court on March 1, 2021 for a report on his progress. At that time Justice Worrell will make a determination on his sentence. “The sword of Damocles is over your head. You are getting a chance. The ball is in your court,” the judge said to Griffith. “I understand sir,” Griffith responded before leaving the dock. He has spent 832 days on remand. The convicted man is represented by attorney-at-law Safiya Moore.