Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 04, 2016 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News
Former Special Constable, Jermaine Bristol, was jailed for 60 months yesterday, after he was found guilty
on a charge of conspiracy to traffic cocaine.
The sentencing was handed down by City Magistrate Judy Latchman in the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court after the consideration of arguments by Defence Counsel, Adrian Thompson and Police Prosecutor, Vishnu Hunt.
Bristol, 31, of Lot 2034 Stevedore Housing Scheme, Georgetown was convicted for conspiring with persons to traffic the cocaine in rum bottles at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri.
The incident occurred in 2014.
During the delivery of her ruling, Magistrate Latchman told the court that she believed Bristol took part in hatching the plan to traffic the drug at the airport based on evidence submitted by the prosecution.
The Magistrate told Bristol that he was placed in a position of trust and to protect citizens. But instead, she said, he “protected cocaine and served himself money”. She considered all mitigating factors and the need to prohibit others from contemplating the illegal act before passing her ruling.
In addition, to the prison term he was also ordered to pay a fine of $30,000.
However, after being informed that he was guilty of the offence charged, Bristol desperately tried to proclaim his innocent. He claimed that he was framed by police and had no involvement in the crime.
He stated that he was wrongly convicted and pleaded with the court to exercise lenience because his fiancé is three months pregnant.
Attorney, Thompson also begged the court to exercise discretion as it relates to sentencing. The lawyer made no pleas of mitigation on behalf of his client.
According to court facts, Bristol was paid to pass out a quantity of cocaine concealed in rum to an American citizen, who was an outgoing passenger destined for JFK Airport, USA on November 17, 2014.
The citizen was later busted with the drug at JKF. As a result, investigations were carried out at the local airport. Surveillance footages were reviewed from the CJIA and Bristol was seen operating in a strange manner. He was later questioned by police and admitted that he was paid to pass the cocaine-laced rum.
Bristol first appeared before former Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine- Beharry and was remanded to prison on the charge. He was subsequently granted bail by the High Court.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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