Teenager says knife was for protection

Dennis Niles told Chief Magistrate Sonya Young he was only walking around Kingstown on Carnival Tuesday with a knife in his waist because he wanted to protect himself.{{more}}

The 17-year-old New Montrose resident and past student of the Bethel High School pleaded guilty to being in possession of seven grams of cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was sentenced to pay $50 forthwith on the drug charge and was bonded for two years in the sum of $500. He was also placed on a 7pm-6am curfew for the next year. In breach of the curfew, Niles will go to prison for four months.

On Carnival Tuesday, July 6, Rapid Response Unit personnel executing searches in Kingstown found Niles with the drug and weapon.

In his explanation to the court, Niles said he did not have the intention of doing anything with the knife unless he was attacked by some men from Redemption Sharpes.

In chiding him, Young said it was stupid of Niles to walk around with the knife. “This could have led to something else…you should have told the police. You could have been in much more problem here today,” Young asserted.