Chief Magistrate gives drug offender opportunity to stay out of prison

A 32-year-old man who begged the court for a chance after admitting to several drug offences was given a “motivational” sentence to stay out of trouble.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes imposed a three-month prison term on Jabari Trevor Jackson of Bridge Cot, St George but suspended it for 18 months.

“I need to inspire you. This will motivate you,” Weekes told him.

Jackson had pleaded guilty in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court to two counts each of possession of marijuana, possession with intent to supply and possession with intent to traffic the illegal drug. The offences were committed in two jurisdictions on January 16 this year.

Sergeant Randolph Boyce, in reading the facts, disclosed that police were on duty along Odessa McClean Drive, St Michael where they observed Jackson driving a vehicle. When he saw the police, he reportedly rolled up his car window and sped off. He was pursued and stopped. A search was requested, which he consented to, and police found the marijuana in bags in the vehicle.

“This is my weed. Them is mine too,” he told officers when asked to account for the illegal substance which weighed 97 grammes and had an estimated street value of $485. That offence was committed in the District ‘A’ jurisdiction.

After being arrested, lawmen took Jackson to the District ‘B’ jurisdiction where they executed a search warrant at his residence. They found cannabis in his kitchen. 

“The weed wunna find just now is mine,” he told police about the 108 grammes of marijuana worth $540.

Jackson, who is known to the court for similar offences, told the magistrate: “I would like a chance so as not to appear back in the court again.”

When questioned, he explained that he used the substance because he had “nerve damage” to his foot.

“I asking for a chance so I don’t come back again,” Jackson pleaded.

The Chief Magistrate then imposed the suspended sentence for each trafficking offence, to run concurrently. He was reprimanded and discharged on the other four offences.