Sharpes man to pay for drugs

Anthony Lavia of Redemption Sharpes was asked to pay $750 forthwith or spend eight weeks in prison for having in his possession 190 grams of cannabis with intent to supply to another.

Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman handed down the sentence after hearing evidence from Police Constables Dwayne Bailey and Lez Harry who stated that on Wednesday December 1, 2004, at about 2:15 p.m. both were on foot patrol in ‘Little Tokyo’ when they witnessed Lavia selling “stuff”. They also witnessed him hiding what he was selling between a wooden and wall building. {{more}}

The officers said they approached Lavia, whom they knew personally, and who is a vendor by profession, to conduct a search. This, according to the Police, was based on their observation prior to seeing the accused selling what turned out to be marijuana. The drug was found in a black plastic bag, both wrapped and loose.

Lavia, who conducted his own defense and pleaded not guilty to the charge, said that although the drugs were found next to where he conducts his business, he did not place anything there.

However, following cross-examination by Prosecutor Sergeant Adolphus Delpesche, it was clear in the mind of the Chief Magistrate that Lavia was guilty.

Police records indicated that Lavia had two previous convictions, the final sentence completed two weeks ago where he served a three-month jail term at Her Majesty’s Prisons.