Allen in a fishy situation

Ansil Allen, a fisherman of Clifton, Union Island, will have to dig up $1000 or spend nine months in prison, after pleading guilty to having in his possession a controlled drug (168 grams of cannabis) with intent to supply.{{more}}

On August 29, officers from the Rapid Response Unit (RRU) and the Special Services Unit (SSU) executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home in Clifton Union Island.

During the search, a black bag containing the cannabis was founding hanging out of Allen’s window. Allen was then cautioned, during which he admitted to owning the drug. He was then arrested and taken into custody.

“The drug was found outside of my building. I do not know anything about it,” Allen told the court in his defence.

Allen pointed out that there are two houses that are situated in the same yard, and he only pleaded guilty to having the drugs because they were found outside his window. He said he thought that he had to enter a guilty plea because the officers found the drugs at his home.

In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Browne informed Allen that the Court does not accept a guilty plea on the grounds he is claiming, and he believes that the defendant is lying when he says that he does not know anything about the drug.

Allen does not have any previous convictions. The matter was heard at the Kingstown Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 3. (SB)