Crime
Man Sentenced to $500 Fine for Cannabis Trafficking, Must Pay in 8 Weeks to Avoid Prison
Man sentenced to pay $500 in 8 weeks to avoid 3-month jail term for trafficking $102 worth of cannabis. Previous convictions cited; no state-funded rehabilitation granted by court.
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Originally published by barbadostoday.bb (opens in new tab)
A man who trafficked $102 worth of cannabis will have to pay $500 in eight weeks if he wants to avoid spending three months behind bars.
Andre Omar Burgess, a resident of Baycroft New Road, Bridge Road, St Michael, was sentenced by Chief Magistrate Ian Weekes on Monday after admitting to possession, possession with intent to supply, and trafficking the drugs on October 5.
The fine was imposed for the trafficking charge, while Burgess – who has 12 previous convictions dating back to 2021 – was convicted, reprimanded and discharged on the other two.
The father of two had asked the court for a suspended sentence and the opportunity to receive counselling.
But Weekes was adamant that he would not be asking the State to spend money on Burgess for any sort of rehabilitation because he knew what he was doing when he made his choice.
The chief magistrate added that Burgess knew where to get help and the court would not be ordering any.
