Man claims he was in the wrong place at the wrong time

An Owia farmer charged with the illegal cultivation of marijuana has been offered bail in the sum of EC$3,500, after he claimed that he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

On Wednesday, at the Serious Offences Court, Auryn Lorraine, 35, pleaded guilty to the cultivation of 25 mature cannabis plants on January 24, 2017 at Duvale Mountains.

“I was there,” Lorraine told the court.

However, when the facts were read to the court, Lorraine was quoted as stating, “Officer, me just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

Lorraine was found in the mountains early Tuesday morning by officers on foot patrol.

When asked if he would like to say something in his defence, the Owia man told the court that he was on his way to his farm lands with a flashlight and a cutlass. He, however, added that the path he uses runs through the marijuana field where police encountered him.

“I was there, but the weed is not mine,” he said.

After hearing this, Chief Magistrate Rechanne Browne-Matthias stated that Lorraine’s explanation was equivalent to a not guilty plea and would be tried as such.

Senior prosecutor Adolphus Delpesche made no objection to his bail.

Lorraine was granted bail in the sum of EC$3,500 with one surety and is to report to the Owia Police Station every Monday and Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

He is expected to reappear before the court on April 28, 2017. (AS)