General worker accused of stealing $52 400 worth of cannabis

A 35-year-old general worker is now on remand at Dodds Prison after being accused of several charges, including breaking into an enforcement area and stealing over $52 000 in cannabis.

Gregory Junior Simpson of 1st Avenue Clerpark, St James, appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, charged that having entered the building known as Goddards Catering Group Services as a trespasser, stole therein two suitcases valued at $150, 6.55 kilogrammes of cannabis valued at $52 400, and a quantity of clothing valued at $200, between September 3 and 4, 2023.

He was also charged with possession of, trafficking and intent to supply the drug during the same period.

Simpson, who was represented by defence attorney Harry Husbands, did not enter a plea on these charges as the matters were transferred to the District ‘B’ Magistrates’ Court at Boarded Hall and will be heard on January 11, 2024.

However, he entered a not-guilty plea to possession, trafficking and intent to supply cannabis and to 18 traffic charges, including failure to comply with stop signs along several St Michael roads, failure to pull over upon hearing a police siren, and driving without insurance and driver’s licence, all on December 16.

The traffic matters will be heard on January 12, 2024, in the District ‘A’ Traffic Court.

Court prosecutor Sergeant Randolph Boyce objected to bail due to the serious nature of the offence, saying the burglary was an attack on the state and the security of the country.

He also pointed out that Simpson was out on bail on another matter and expressed fears that he would not return to court if granted bail.

However, Husbands stated that there was no evidence to suggest that his client would not return to court and asked that stringent bail conditions be instead put in place so that Simpson could go home to his family, some of whom had come in from overseas for his brother’s funeral which was being held as the case was being heard.

Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes agreed with the prosecution and remanded the accused until January 16, 2024.