By FARRAH JOHNSON
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 24-year-old man was ordered to attend drug counselling sessions after he pleaded guilty to marijuana possession yesterday.
Ralph Walker II appeared before Magistrate Andrew Forbes charged with possession of Indian hemp after officers found two grams of the drug in his pockets on May 8.
He pleaded guilty and was discharged for six months on the condition he attends drug counselling classes at the Department of Social Services.
Prosecutor Lakesia Moss told the court around 2.35pm last Friday officers in the Gambier area observed a group of men standing on the side of the street. Inspector Moss said when the men saw police, some of them ran away, arousing the officers’ suspicion. The officers then approached one of the males who didn’t run and told him that he would be searched in reference to dangerous drugs and firearms. While searching him, they discovered two silver foil wraps containing suspected marijuana in the suspect’s right and left pockets. As a result, he was arrested and taken to the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) where he admitted to purchasing the drugs for $10 for personal use.
During the hearing, Walker II was represented by attorney Alex Morley. He told the magistrate his client had accepted responsibility for his actions and had cooperated with the police. Mr Morley also noted Walker had no previous convictions and was a university student specialising in electrical engineering.
As a result, Magistrate Forbes said he would give Walker an opportunity to “get his house in order.” Still, he warned the defendant if he failed to attend the drug counselling classes he would be convicted of the offence and spend two months in prison.
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