Couple charged for cultivating cannabis

A couple from the North West District, Region One (Barima-Waini) made an appearance before Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Courts to answer to a charge of cultivating an illegal plant.

John Antonio and Diane Daniel both pleaded guilty with explanation to the charge which stated that on November 19, at North West District, they cultivated a prohibited plant, that is to say cannabis.

However Daniels’ plea was changed to not guilty by the Chief Magistrate, after she offered her explanation of what transpired on the day in question. Her husband’s plea was maintained after explaining.

Daniel’s, who was unrepresented, was refused bail after the prosecution noted the she did not supply the court with any special reason for such. She will make her next court appearance on February 20, 2017, at the Mabaruma Magistrate’s Court.

In mitigation, Antonio told the court that he lost his three sons sometime ago and that his house was destroyed by fire, not long ago. As such, he said he cultivated the plant to secure a better home.

He was sentenced to three years imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of $15,000.