Nikolai Ian Inniss learnt a very valuable lesson yesterday. Luckily for him, it was not as harsh as it could have been.
The 25-year-old student, of No. 8 Newton Park, Christ Church, was given a reprieve by Magistrate Kristie Cuffy-Sargeant after pleading guilty to having cannabis as he disembarked the Jolly Roger on Sunday.
Prosecutor Station Sergeant Neville Reid told the District “A” Magistrates’ Court that the marine unit went on duty in the area of the Careenage where the party boat was berthed.
On arrival, a security officer told them that while the vessel was in the area of the Bridgetown Port, Inniss was seen with a white cigarette in his hand and a strong scent of marijuana was emanating from his direction.
Police searched the student and found 25 Ziplock bags inside a plastic bag in his front pants pocket. The drugs weighed 8.6 grammes and had a street value of $45.
When asked if he had anything to say, Inniss offered a quick apology.
“I made a mistake. I apologise; I had marijuana,” he said.
Attorney Calvin Hope argued that his client was remorseful, had cooperated with police and had no previous convictions.
“He certainly understands that he made a cardinal error. He gave the undertaking that he will not have those things in his possession again.” counsel submitted.
Magistrate Cuffy-Sargeant sentenced him to 140 hours of community service and released him on $1 500 bail. He returns to court on January 30. (RB)