The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were ordered to attend drug counselling classes yesterday after they were found on separate occasions with small quantities of marijuana.

Kedrick Johnson, 27, and Brendan Smith, 25, were both charged with drug possession during their hearings before Magistrate Kendra Kelly.

Police said they arrested Johnson after they found 14 grams of marijuana at his Kemp Road home while searching the residence on February 15.

After pleading guilty to the charge yesterday, Johnson asked the court for leniency, describing himself as a father-of-two who worked hard to support his family.

In response, Magistrate Kelly said she took into consideration the defendant had no previous convictions and ordered him to attend drug counselling classes and complete 200 hours of community service.

He was told failure to comply with the conditions of his release would result in him spending three months behind bars.

Smith was also granted a conditional discharge after he was found with 1.25 ounces of marijuana on February 15.

Police said sometime around 3pm that day, they proceeded to a structure near Landshark hotel where they observed two men who began to act suspiciously.

As a result, officers approached the men and asked them for their reason for being in the area.

One of the men replied that they lived in the nearby hotel and claimed they were hiding in the structure to avoid their sister to whom they owed money.

A search of both men was subsequently conducted which resulted in the discovery of a clear plastic bag in Smith’s pocket. The bag contained a grass-like substance which was suspected to be marijuana.

The accused was then taken to the police station and interviewed, where he admitted the drug possession.

In court, Smith said he used drugs to help him remain calm, adding he was sorry for his actions.

His sister – who was present in court - also confirmed Smith’s story to police, saying the family was put in the hotel by social services after their home burned down.

The sister also told the magistrate the family was unable to financially help Smith if he were fined.

Having listened to their explanations, Magistrate Kelly ordered the accused to attended drug classes and also complete community service.

Failure to comply will result in him spending five months in prison.