Steven McDonald Newton’s cannabis usage was so regular Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant compared it to that of “being three meals a day”.
However, despite admitting that he was a habitual drug user, Newton escaped both jail time and a fine when he appeared in the District ‘A’ Magistrates Court today.
The 42-year-old baker of Rogers Road, Ivy, St Michael, had earlier pleaded guilty to having cannabis in his possession on October 30.
According to prosecutor Sergeant Edwin Pinder, police were carrying out an operation in Cheapside, the City, when they saw Newton sitting at a table with a black bag beside him.
After stopping and requesting a search, they found an identification card belonging to Newton inside the bag as well as vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis.
When questioned about the items by police, he replied, “The ID is mine and the bag too.”
The drugs weighed 11.06 grams.
Attorney-at-law Kemar Roberts who appeared on behalf of Newton, submitted that his client was remorseful and had shown that by being cooperative with police and entering a guilty plea.
He said Newton had nine children and was the sole breadwinner.
Roberts also argued that while his client had previous convictions, the last had occurred back in 2002 and asked the court to show leniency.
“How often do you use marijuana?” the magistrate asked Newton as he stood in the dock.
“About three times a day,” was his reply.
And when Cuffy-Sargeant enquired whether he would continue using the drugs on a daily basis, an honest Newton said, “yes”.
“I’m going to give you credit for speaking the truth to the court and I will show you leniency because your last offence was over 16 years ago,” the magistrate told him before convicting, reprimanding and discharging him.
“But don’t come back in here, because it’s not going to be like this if you do,” was the stern warning Cuffy-Sargeant issued to him before a relieved Newton left the court.
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