By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
A SENIOR magistrate yesterday sentenced a man who was on remand to eight months behind bars after he was found with 1.5 ounces of marijuana by prison officers last year.
Cleophus Smith, 29, pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply after correctional officers found $135 worth of drugs on him on November 16.
Crown prosecutor ASP Claudette McKenzie-Louis told the court that sometime around 10.30am that day, prison officers reported that they found a black plastic wrap on Smith while searching the cell he was in. He was in maximum security at the time awaiting trial on another matter.
The wrap contained 27 small packages which were believed to be filled with marijuana, the court was told.
The drugs were later retrieved and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit and a month later, the accused was interviewed about the contraband.
During his interview with police, Smith did not agree with all the facts, insisting he only had two packages of marijuana on him at the time.
During yesterday’s hearing before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans, Smith maintained this position, adding he was sorry for his actions.
He also asked the magistrate for forgiveness.
However, Magistrate Vogt-Evans said he needed to turn to God and change his ways.
As a result, he was sentenced to eight months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and also fined $1,000.
Smith was told that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months behind bars.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.