No ‘small change’ for selling week

Instead of receiving what he called a “small change” for selling marijuana, Deighton Williams received a $450 penalty for marijuana possession.{{more}}

The Peruvian Vale labourer pleaded guilty at the Serious Offences Court on Monday for having 906 grams (just over one pound) of cannabis on his person.

Chief Magistrate Sonya Young slapped the fine on Williams and gave him two weeks to pay it. Failure to do so would result in Williams being sent to prison for three months.

Police report that on Sunday, March 8, at about 12:30pm, members of the Rapid Response Unit were on mobile patrol in the area when the defendant was spotted at the side of the public road with a blue knapsack over his shoulders.

Apparently recognising the police transport coming towards him, the court heard that Young began walking way. This aroused the suspicion of the officers and they followed Williams, who dropped the knapsack. The bag was retrieved and a search conducted on it found plant material resembling cannabis.

Williams was cautioned by the officers to which he replied: “Is ah man gimme to sell so I could get ah small change fo me self.”

Williams begged Magistrate Young to have leniency on him and give him a chance to pay the money.