By FARRAH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
fjohnson@tribunemedia.net
A 40-year-old man who led police on a high-speed chase while attempting to evade arrest was yesterday fined $1,800 for marijuana possession.
George Ferguson was charged with dangerous drug possession with the intent to supply after he was found with 14 ounces of Indian hemp on October 26 last year.
He was further charged with a single count of simple possession after officers found a gram of marijuana on him on August 2.
He pleaded guilty to both offences during his hearing before Magistrate Samuel McKinney.
The court was told that in October last year, a team of officers were conducting inquiries in Pinewood Gardens, when they observed a heavily tinted vehicle travelling north. When they beckoned for the car to stop, the driver drove off which prompted them to pursue him.
The court was told that the car eventually crashed into a parked vehicle and the man, who was later identified as Ferguson, got out of the car and fled on foot. While the officers gave chase they noticed him drop a blue bag from his hand before jumping over a wall. When they examined its contents, they discovered several silver foil wraps.
Yesterday, Ferguson was represented by attorney Wendawn Frazer. During her plea in mitigation, she said her client was remorseful for his actions and pleaded guilty at his earliest opportunity because he did not want to waste the court’s time.
He was subsequently fined $1,500 or nine months for the 14 ounces of marijuana and another $300 or one month behind bars for simple possession.
Magistrate McKinney also placed Ferguson on 18 months’ probation and warned him that if he were convicted of a similar offence within that time frame, he could risk spending six months in prison.
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