The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

STEPHEN ‘Die’ Stubbs will have to wait three months before his appeal is heard.

At that time, he will challenge a conviction and four year sentence concerning a $6 million drug smuggling operation.

Stubbs, 38, of Ridgeland Park and 39-year-old Dion Minnis of Rupert Dean Lane appeared in the Court of Appeal yesterday with attorney Murrio Ducille to challenge their conviction and respective sentences concerning a September 2009 plot to import and possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply in Williams Town, Exuma.

However, the appeal could not be heard by Justices Anita Allen, Christopher Blackman and Stanley John due to a lack of trial transcripts.

The judges said the matter would have to be heard next year.

Before the matter was adjourned, Mr Ducille brought to the court’s attention that Stubbs had been diagnosed with a medical condition and needed to be put on a special diet.

When asked if he had brought this to the attention of prison authorities, the attorney said his client had already done so.

The court advised the attorney to make an application to the Supreme Court for assistance with the request before setting the substantive date for the appeal hearing as February 26, 2014.

Stubbs and Minnis were convicted of the drug plot in Magistrates Court last year along with 58-year-old Selva Hudson of Sisal Avenue.

They were accused of conspiring with 51-year-old David Arlington Colebrooke between September 5 and 30, 2009, to import and possess dangerous drugs in Williams Town, Exuma, with intent to supply.

Evidence revealed the 3,935 pounds of marijuana came from Jamaica and was dropped off in Williams Town.

Colebrooke was on the run at the time of trial and was still missing when a verdict was handed down to his co-accused.

At the time, the sentencing magistrate told the defendants the punishment was based on three factors: their existing record, the amount of drugs involved, and the men’s participation in the smuggling operation based on the evidence.

She sentenced Stubbs to four years in prison and a $50,000, and an extra year if the fine is not paid by the end of his sentence.

Minnis and Hudson were given five years and three years respectively.