Bevinton Linton

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Bevinton Linton

Photo Credit: BVI Platinum News

Bevinton Linton was today, May 24 sent to jail for twelve months for unlawful possession of 260 grams of cannabis with intent to supply. The street value of the drugs is $2,060.00.

Linton, who was on bail, had pleaded guilty to the offence on March 16 and was sentenced today by Magistrate Tamia Richards. The maximum sentence for the offence is three years in prison or $100,000.00 in fine.

Magistrate Richards in handing down her sentence, said that she took into account his previous good character and the fact that he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. However, she said there are a number of aggravating factors including the fact that it was a large quantity, the prevalence of the offence and the fact that he was going to sell the drugs.

The Magistrate, who said illegal drugs are a sore to the society, noted that Linton had blamed hardship on him taking the drugs to sell. She said there were 158 dime bags packaged off to be sold. The Magistrate said it is unacceptable since everyone goes through hardships at one point in their life. "It's never an excuse to break the law."

It was the crown's case that on March 14, 2012 around 10:30, officers were on patrol in the Huntums Ghut area and observed Linton and a few other male persons. The men were acting suspicious.

Linton had a black bag in his possession and as the officers approached him, he ran and threw the bag into the bushes. The officers who gave chase caught up with him and retrieved the bag. In the bag they found 158 dime bags containing what appeared to be vegetable matters.

Linton told the officers that it was weed and that he only purchased the substance because he was out of a job and he had to take care of his family, noting that his girlfriend was pregnant. Linton said that he also needed to clear up bills.

Linton was represented by Attorney At Law Anthea Smith.