$5K fine for marijuana, suspected stolen phones

A 29-year-old man who police found with two ‘stolen’ cellular phones and a quantity of marijuana has been slapped with nearly $5,000 in fines and compensation in the Magistrate’s Court.

Seantroy Hanley was charged with possession of goods reasonably suspected of being stolen, as well as possession of a controlled drug.

Reports are that, on September 17 last year, police visited the basketball court in Purcell Estate where they saw the offender sitting on a chair with a quantity of marijuana on his lap.

He also had two brand new Samsung Galaxy phones valued at $350 and $780 respectively.

Put life back on track

Before she sentenced the offender this week, Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards noted Hanley’s previous statement that he wanted to ‘put his life back on track’.

She also said the only reason he was not imprisoned is that he successfully completed a rehabilitation and counselling programme.

In the meantime, a break-down of the monetary penalties shows Hanley being fined $500 for the phone-related offence. The magistrate further ordered that he compensates the owner of the devices $1,300.

He will spend 30 days in prison if the fine is not paid.

As it relates to the marijuana offence, Hanley was slapped with a $3,000 fine.

Magistrate Richards said he was fined that amount because he was found with the illegal substance in a public place ‘where children might be around, or where other young people might be around’.

If Hanley doesn’t pay the fine in the marijuana matter, he will be imprisoned for six months.

He has until May 8 to pay all the monies earlier stated.