The Tribune

By PAVEL BAILEY

SIX MEN were charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday in connection with a single drug offence.

Devon Ferguson, 36, along with Carl Taylor, 39, Tyrone Bastian, 36, Carlos Colebrooke, 28, James Henchel, 55, and Joseph Charlton, 19, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney to answer to a charge of possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

At 4pm on May 16 at Ferguson’s residence, the accused were arrested after officers discovered five and 1/2 ounces of Indian Hemp in the bathroom toilet bowl in 58 clear Ziplock bags.

After their arrest at the subsequent police interview, they denied all knowledge of the drugs.

However, in court, Ferguson was the sole accused who pleaded guilty to the charge against him while the remaining five accused pleaded not guilty.

Ferguson further informed the court that the other men charged with him were only there to watch a basketball game that night.

As a part of Ferguson’s plea of mitigation, the court was told that he was the sole provider for his four children as a landscaper and had no previous drug convictions up to this point. In view of this and Ferguson’s early plea of guilt the court was asked not to impose a custodial sentence on him.

Following this Magistrate McKinney ruled that Ferguson pay a fine of $600 or face three months in prison on the charge. The remaining accused were discharged.