Reprinted from Caribbean Net News
caribbeannetnews.com
KINGSTOWN,, St Vincent: Jamaican reggae star Eric Donaldson was on Monday ordered by a St Vincent magistrate to pay EC$125 (US$46) or spend seven days in jail after he pleaded guilty to possessing marijuana.
Donaldson was arrested at the E.T. Joshua Airport while going through security checks on his way to Grenada where he was schedule to perform.
The popular singer, who ascended to fame during the 1960s and early 70s, was found in possession of 12 grammes of marijuana last Sunday hours after performing at the P’Tami Resort in Argyle, St. Vincent.
He pleaded guilty to possession of the illegal drug when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Simone Churaman on Tuesday.
The magistrate also ordered that Donaldson be deported.
Police reports are that at about 8:12 a.m. Donaldson checked in at the airport cleared with immigration and was going through a security check when his luggage was searched and eight marijuana “bombs” (a portion used to make a marijuana cigarette) were found.
The report further indicated that when cautioned Donaldson told the lawmen he had been in a hurry and had forgotten the drug in his pocket. He asked them to give him a chance.
Donaldson’s attorney, Ronald Marks pleaded with Magistrate Churaman for leniency saying that his client was remorseful and that it was a very small quantity of marijuana.
Marks said Donaldson was scheduled to perform in Grenada and had lost a great deal of income as a result of the arrest.
Before passing sentence, Magistrate Churaman noted that Donaldson had pleaded guilty and that the drugs were a small quantity but said she regarded the fact that the illegal substance was leaving the country.
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