Magistrate Judy Latchman on Friday sentenced a teenager who was caught with marijuana to three years in jail after he was found guilty of the offence.
Fazil Alli, 19, was charged with possession of narcotics for the purpose of trafficking and at the conclusion of the trial at the Georgetown Magistrate’s Court on Friday, he was found guilty of the June 15 charge which stated that he had 75 grammes of marijuana in his possession for the purpose of trafficking. Alli had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
When asked by the court if he is employed, Alli responded in the negative stating, “I was to look after my police clearance to get a job but I didn’t get no money.” He responded “no” when asked if he had anything to say about the matter before being sentenced.
In handing down the sentence, Magistrate Latchman said that the court took into account both the aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Listing the aggravating factors, she said that the offence is a serious and prevalent one, and the imposition of the sentence is aimed at deterring potential offenders. In mitigation meanwhile, Alli’s age and the fact that he is a first-time offender were considered.
In the circumstances, the magistrate informed Alli that he would be sentenced to three years in prison in addition to paying a fine of $37, 500.
