Corpun file 20650

Antigua Sun, 26 September 2008

Parole violator to be flogged

A 16-year-old youth has been sentenced to prison time and will also suffer the penalty of lashes for breaching his probation.

The teenager yesterday pleaded guilty to possession of 19 grammes of cannabis when he appeared before Magistrate Keith Thom is the St. John's Magistrate's Court.

He pleaded not guilty to possession with intent to sell, which the prosecution later withdrew.

The court heard that on 16 Sept., about 12:30 p.m., officers were on mobile patrol duty in the city and the surrounding areas when they received certain information and immediately proceeded to the TN Kirnon School.

On their arrival, the officers saw the young man in the vicinity of the school. They approached him and told him they would like to conduct a search on his person.

The teenager consented and the police found the drugs in 12 wrapped aluminium foil paper packages and eight plastic bags.

He told the police, "A little weed me hab. Me just throw some over jail gee me partner.

"Officer, me pan probation fe weed, give me a chance please, officer."

He was arrested and taken to the Police Headquarters where he was charged.

The drug has an estimated street value of $95.

The teen was just over two weeks ago placed on probation to be on good behaviour for one year.

He was also on that occasion counselled by a number of people, who were looking out for his best interest.

Magistrate Thom sentenced the young man to six months in prison for the first offence and gave him another six months for this second brush with the law. Both sentences are to run concurrently.

The 16-year-old will also receive eight strokes as punishment.

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