It was off to the Psychiatric Hospital for a habitual drug user today after his lawyer asked for assistance on his behalf.
Stefan Rashad Gibson, of Military Road, Bush Hall, St Michael was remanded to the Black Rock institution until December 10 by acting Magistrate Sandra Rawlins after he pleaded guilty to possession of apparatus for the misuse of cocaine.
The District ‘A’ Magistrate’s Court heard that police were in the Dash Gap, Bank Hall, St Michael area when they saw and had reason to arrest Gibson for other matters. As expected a search was conducted and the paraphernalia - a glass bottle with wire mesh to the top and a hole at the bottom - was found in his pocket.
“You know that I got that to smoke my thing,” he allegedly told lawmen at the time.
However, when the acting magistrate spoke to him as he stood in the dock Gibson appeared to have difficulty following the proceedings. This prompted attorney-at-law Jamar Bourne to enter an appearance for him amicus curiae.
Following a brief conversation, Bourne urged Rawlins to remand Gibson to the mental health institution for assessment and a report.
It was granted but it was then discovered the accused had an unpaid fine of $350 dating back to 2016, which carried prison time.
Gibson was adamant that he had served the time for the unpaid fine. However, following a check it was revealed that was not the case.
“Ma’am I asked that the status quo remains . . . because he still needs the help . . . despite the unpaid fine,” Bourne said in his application.
Acting Magistrate Rawlins ruled in favour of the defence and remanded Gibson to the hospital for the next three weeks.
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