Mr. Matthew while at the Magistrate's Court yesterday (August, 29, 2012). Photo:VINO/Staff

Mr. Matthew is facing charges of unlawful possession of cannabis and failure to stop at the sound of a police siren, both of which he pleaded guilty to.

Allegedly, on July 17, 2012, officers saw the defendant speeding down the Blackburn Highway, they then followed him with the sirens on for him to stop, but he didn’t.

Court records stated that while police continued the chase, he allegedly drove to Main Street, in the vicinity of Joe’s Hill and began throwing stuff out of the car, then drove to Scatliffe Alley, exited the car and ran.

The court understood that the officers returned to the place where Mr. Mathew was seen throwing things out of the car, where they found 12 dime bags containing cannabis and 6 dime bags in a water bottle, also containing cannabis.

He was charged for allegedly having in his possession 11.5 grams of cannabis, with a street value of $110.50.

Allegedly, Mr. Mathew turned himself in the next day, and told the officers “I came from buying a little weed, I hear the siren and panicked.”

In mitigation, the defendant who has been to prison before on drug charges, told the court that he don’t sell any more.

“Coming from jail it’s hard to find work; I get by, by selling my labor cheaper than what it’s worth… I’m trying to get everybody around me again…. I don’t sell drugs any more, it only remains a habit and I’m trying to give it up but change don’t come over night, I’ve been smoking for over 20 years; I got my first son in jail and my daughters don’t want me to go back.”

He added that because of the drugs and him being in and out of prison, his wife left him.

Mr. Matthew instructed the court that he will do anything to keep his family.

Magistrate Tamia Richards requested that he attend the Sandy Lane Centre.

His case was adjourned until October 17, 2012.