By PAVEL BAILEY
Tribune Court Reporter
pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TWO men were arraigned separately in different Magistrate’s Courts yesterday on drug charges.
Angelo Antonio, 35, stood before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on charges of possession of dangerous drugs and resisting arrest.
On June 11 in New Providence, after initially resisting arrest, the accused was apprehended after he was found with 11 grams of indian hemp.
In court, he pleaded guilty to both charges and was fined $500 or risk spending six months in custody on the drug charge. He was also sentenced to an additional fine of $150 or one month in prison for resisting arrest.
The accused is expected to return to court today for a report.
The second accused, Jameson Jacobs, 26, appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on an initial charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.
On June 12 in New Providence, Jacobs was arrested after he was found with ten grams of indian hemp with an estimated street value of $50.
Jacobs pleaded guilty and told the court he had bought the drugs for his own personal use and that they helped calm his nerves.
A court review of his criminal history revealed that Jacobs has a pending attempted murder charge for which he has yet to be served with a VBI from the Chief Magistrate.
Prosecutor Inspector Barr interceding on the accused’s behalf said that Jacobs’ early plea of guilty is proof that he is willing to change. With that in mind, he asked the magistrate to amend the charge to simple possession and implored him to be lenient in his sentencing.
Magistrate Serville accepted the accused’s plea and agreed to reduce the charges. The magistrate then granted Jacobs a conditional discharge during which he is expected to attend drug counseling at CCAC for six months. There the accused is expected to find alternative methods to deal with his anxiety.
If Jacobs returns to court with a satisfactory report of progress at the end of his course, he will be granted a full discharge. However, should he fail to complete the course he would face a fine of $250 and the charge will remain permanently on his record.
The accused is expected to return to court for a review on December 7.
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