The Tribune

By FARRAH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

fjohnson@tribunemedia.net

A 21-year-old man who was caught with $20 worth of marijuana must stay out of trouble for a year to avoid spending three months behind bars.

Police arrested Reginald Mackey after they found five grams of Indian hemp on him on July 17.

He pleaded guilty to one count of possession when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Derence Rolle Davis.

The court was told that around 12.37pm on the day in question, officers on mobile patrol observed two men driving in a suspicious manner. As a result, they beckoned for the car to stop and ordered the two occupants to get out of the vehicle. The prosecution said the men were then informed that they would be searched for dangerous drugs and firearms. They said when they searched the driver, they did not find any contraband. However, when they searched Mackey, who was the passenger in the vehicle, they found silver foil wraps in his pocket.

He was subsequently arrested and taken to a nearby station. During his interview with police he said he had the drugs for his personal use.

During the hearing, he told the magistrate that both of his parents were dead, and he was going through a hard time. He also claimed he only smoked marijuana to help ease his stress.

In response, Magistrate Rolle Davis said he considered the fact that Mackey admitted his issue from the start and was honest with police from the onset of their investigation. As a result, he placed him on a year’s probation during which time he is required to take quarterly drug tests.

The magistrate said If Mackey fails to comply with the conditions of his probation or is convicted of another offence during that time frame, he could risk spending three months in jail.