13/08/2007 00:00:00
UK: Judge to decide cannabis dispute
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A TEENAGER accused of possessing cannabis with intent to supply has
pleaded guilty - but to only having one joint to share.
Joshua Collier insists he only planned to pass round the cannabis
cigarette he had rolled with friends on Monday January 8.
Trevor Line, defending, told Swindon crown court said "The guilty plea
is on the basis that he had rolled a joint which he shared with his
friends."
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But Colin Meeke, prosecuting, said the Crown did not accept the
19-year-old's explanation and sought a trial of issue.
"The Crown say that the wraps in his possession and the paraphernalia in
his home when police searched it are all part of a much wider intent to
supply than simply to pass a joint round between friends," he said.
Collier, of Harford Street, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to one count of
possessing cannabis with intent to supply.
He will now face a trial of fact where a judge sitting alone will decide
the true level of criminality.
The maximum sentence for possessing cannabis with intent to supply is
still 14 years' imprisonment despite it being re-categorised as a class
C drug.
Collier was released on unconditional bail to Wednesday October 10 when
he is due to stand trial.
http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12786
Author:
Wiltshire Times via UKCIA
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