The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

THE COURT of Appeal reduced the four-year sentence of man who wanted to plead guilty to simple drug possession at his arraignment, instead of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Justices Anita Allen, Christopher Blackman and Abdulai Conteh reduced 31-year-old Corey Clarke’s sentence to 18 months.

On January 17 of this year, Clarke pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply in Gun Court, Magistrates Court 9.

Clarke had wanted to plead guilty to simple drug possession, claiming that he had the 6.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use when it was found in his possession at a restaurant.

However, at the time, the prosecution did not accept his plea.

Yesterday, defending attorney Ian Cargill informed the court of this, and successfully argued that four years was excessive considering the circumstances and the amount of drugs involved.

His new sentence begins from the day he pleaded guilty.
Linda Evans and Charles Newbold III appeared for the Crown.