Royer about to enter the Magistrate’s Court on January 16, 2012. Photo: VINO

Akeema Martin will know his fate on January 19. Photo: VINO

Royer of St. Thomas, hides his face as he entered the Magistrate’s Court. Photo: VINO

Akeema Martin, a father of seven, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession and unlawful importation of 122.6 grammes of cannabis. However, he pleaded not guilty to the intent to supply charge.

The street value of the cannabis is $1,226.

According to Crown Counsel Jude Hanley, Martin arrived from St. Thomas on January 15, 2012 around 9 a.m. for a visit. During a random search at the Road Town Ferry terminal, officers found small packages of vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis in a white container in Martin’s travelling bag. A scale was also seized.

The Court heard that Martin admitted the bag belonged to him.

His lawyer, Mary Lou Creque asked the court for leniency, and stated that her client is the breadwinner for his seven children. She added that the 28 year-old is aware of his stupid decision, and asked for her client to be fined.

However, Senior Magistrate, Valerie Stephens pointed to the large quantity of cannabis and notified the Crown and defense lawyer that she wanted a few days to ponder before handing down sentencing.

In light of this, Martin has to appear in Court on Thursday, January 19, 2012.

Christopher and Royer offered bail

Meanwhile, Mitch Christopher 26, and Myron Royer, 25, who are charged with conspiracy to import, importation and unlawful possession of 3.18 kilogrammes of cannabis with intent to supply on January 13, 2012, were offered bail by Senior Magistrate Stephens yesterday as well.

The street value for the illegal substance is $31,880.

Christopher, a Virgin Islander, was offered bail in the sum of $50,000 of which $20,000 must be cash, has to surrender his passports and report to the Road Town Police Station between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Royer, a crew on Native Son and USVI resident, was offered $40,000 bail of which $10,000 must be cash.

The Crown had objected to bail. Both men have to return to court on February 9, 2012.

The duo was arrested after Christopher was observed by law enforcement officers leaving a vehicle around 6:30 p.m. on January 13, 2012 to board the Oriole which was docked for the evening. It is alleged that he met with Royer.

According to Crown Counsel Hanley, Christopher returned to the vehicle, which was driven by a friend, with a black bag. When Police approached the vehicle, the 26 year-old jumped out with the bag and ran. The court heard he dropped the bag in some bushes and continued to run.

However, Christopher was subsequently apprehended. When arrested he told officers his friend knew nothing about the cannabis.

Royer, who was in a vehicle behind, was arrested shortly after because of alleged telephone information exchanged between the duo.