After being told today that he needed to be kept in a structured environment in order to treat his crack cocaine and nicotine addictions, Cuthbert Robert Harewood declared, “I don’t want no jail help. Jail cah help me.”
Magistrate Graveney Bannister sentenced the 50-year-old from 1st Avenue Chapman Lane, St Michael to 18 months in prison following a three-week assessment by experts at the Psychiatric Hospital. Doctors said he was not a suitable candidate for residential drug rehabilitation.
Harewood had apparently had his heart set on attending the programme at Verdun House.
Magistrate Bannister, presiding in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court, told him that he needed a structured environment in order to complete the programmes needed to address his addictions. He explained to Harewood that the report showed that he ‘smoked at least ten crack stones a day’ and had an addiction for nicotine.
“I always had a drug problem. Once I had a very serious problem,” Harewood said.
It was also revealed that at the end of his stint at the Black Rock facility he told doctors he wanted to go home as he had things to do.
Harewood, who had pleaded guilty to stealing seven pieces of lumber and five sheets of plywood valued at $740 belonging to Project Incorporated on July 8 said, he was frustrated.
Bannister told Harewood, who already has 67 convictions: “The doctor is trying to help you but you are telling the doctor what to do, being difficult. You are not suitable for residential rehabilitation. I am sending you to a structured environment. All those weeks for naught because you are unruly.”
It was at that time that the convicted man began pleading for leniency saying, “Jail not really much help. I want . . . three months. I asking for leniency.”
Bannister told him he could not help himself and needed to go through the 12-step drug rehabilitation programme at the prison.
“I don’t want no jail help! Jail cah help me! That is vindictive!” Harewood declared.
He added before being escorted out of the court: “I going to appeal that sentence!”
