Intoxicated man causes scene in St Lawrence Gap

Chinua Jelani Sowande Callender was so intoxicated last Sunday that he couldn’t control his behaviour, even when police spoke to him.

The 22-year-old from Union, St Philip, was so “out” of it that he caused a disturbance in St Lawrence Gap, which landed him before the law court.

But by the time he arrived before Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes yesterday, he had more than sobered to hear how he behaved around 4:15 a.m. on December 27.

Lawmen were on duty and observed the self-employed man “carrying on” with another male in front a nightclub in the area, and asked him to desist from such behaviour. The other man left immediately, but Callender did not. He was asked to leave St Lawrence Gap but instead of complying he shouted and hurled obscenities. He was taken to the police station and subsequently to court.

“I had just come from the nightclub. We were partying, just having a little fun. I was not smoking but I was drinking and was intoxicated,” the first-time offender said as he explained his behaviour to Magistrate Weekes.

The Chief Magistrate asked him whether his “common sense did not register” when police spoke to him.

He replied: “We were leaving and some were getting burgers and I was waiting. Yes, I was misbehaving. I was not showing off, I was out. I had Hennessy and Vodka. I had it before but I had a lot [this time].”

“Y’all need to keep out the bar and watch the drinks,” the magistrate then told him.

It was advice that caused Callender to disclose that he “does mix drinks . . .”.

“I understand. I am a bartender, self-employed. I understand I was wrong . . . . I am sorry,” he added.

The young man also apologised to the police.

“I am very sorry for the way I carried myself . . . . I was not myself.”

The apology was accepted by the prosecutor, Constable Paul Prescod, on behalf of the arresting officers.

In sentencing Callender, Chief Magistrate Weekes said: “I will give you a chance. Don’t get yourself in problems. Clearly, too much liquor ain’t good for you . . . . It ain’t good for anybody. Watch the drinks!”

He then placed Callender on a six-month bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. If he breaches the order during that time, he will have to pay the court a $1,000 fine forthwith or spend three months in prison.

No conviction is to be recorded against him if he complies.