A miner was yesterday fined and ordered to complete community service after he admitted to using cannabis for relaxation.
Isaiah Thomas, 21, was read a charge which stated that on April 20th, at Alexander Village, he had three grammes of cannabis.
Thomas pleaded guilty to the crime.
Police prosecutor Arvin Moore told the court that on the day in question, Thomas was observed by ranks on patrol holding a plastic bag. When he saw the ranks, the prosecutor noted, the man dropped the bag and attempted to run. He was later caught and the bag was opened in his presence, and a quantity of leaves, seeds and stems were found. He was told of the crime, arrested and taken to the Ruimveldt Police Station.
When asked by Principal Magistrate Judy Latchman what he used the cannabis for, Thomas explained that whenever he is in the interior he just wants to be calm and so he uses the drug to relax.
Magistrate Latchman later fined the man $3,000 and ordered that he perform seven-hours of community service for 10 consecutive Saturdays. He was ordered to report to the Ruimveldt Police Station, beginning from Saturday, April 28th.
