Jonathan Turnbull was referred to the Sandy Lane Centre after pleading guilty to cannabis possession when he appeared before the Magistrate's court on June 28, 2013. Photo: VINO/File

The court also heard that the Virtual Complainant (VC) in the assault matter had written to the court asking that the matter be dropped. Turnbull was also charged with breach of a protection order in favour of the VC.

Senior Crown Counsel Valston Graham stated, “When the court issues an order it must be adhered to – period.” He also stated that when persons wrote to the court for protection orders to be lifted, it usually meant they were already “back in business”.

The two charges were lifted, leaving the defendant with the charge that accused him of allegedly possessing 7.6 grams of cannabis.

According to the allegations read in court, Police observed that the vehicle the defendant was driving was obstructing traffic in a parking lot outside Peebles Hospital on January 18, 2013 and a police officer asked him to remove the vehicle.

Upon arrival at the vehicle, the Police allegedly discovered a transparent bag in the centre console of the defendant’s vehicle, possessing what appeared to be vegetable material.

Police then took possession of the bag and its contents and told the defendant they suspected the contents to be cannabis and cautioned Turnbull. He was then asked what it was and allegedly admitted it was “a little weed he had to smoke.”

Turnbull was told that it was an offence and further cautioned before being placed in custody. The substance was then reportedly weighed and allegedly found to be 7.6g of cannabis with a street value of $70.60.

His attorney, Marie Lou Creque asked the court to consider that the defendant had not wasted the court’s time, was honest and upfront with officers about the possession offence, and was also relatively young.

She added that Turnbull indicated the substance was simply for recreational use and he had advised her about its “relaxing qualities”. Creque further stated it was Turnbull’s first offence and requested leniency from the court asking that he be referred to the Sandy Lane Centre.

Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards agreed and advised Turnbull that he would be referred to the Sandy Lane Centre for drug treatment and counselling in the interim.

He is expected to return to court on September 5, 2013.