Prisoner clears air in court

The Serious Offences Court was shaken up by an offensive odour yesterday.

Jason Lawrence, who was in court to answer a charge of possession of cannabis, was seated on the prisoner’s bench when he loudly passed gas.{{more}}

Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias expressed her disgust when the smell diffused through the court room. “I do not believe what it happening here at all,” she said.

“If that affects my senses, it would be very detrimental to all of you,” she said to the prisoners seated on the bench.

Lawrence was charged on February 4 for having in his possession 219 grams of cannabis. The cannabis was discovered in two transparent packages in his underwear after police constable Caesar requested a search on him.

When he took the stand, Lawrence, who pleaded guilty, also pleaded with Browne-Matthias for lenience.

“Please be lenient. I have a problem with my stomach, your honour,” he said.

“Clearly,” she responded.

Browne-Matthias fined him $650 to be paid forthwith. She also made a destruction order for the drugs.(CA)