Joseph Polydore escapes custodial sentence

Joseph Polydore’s guilty plea and strong and passionate mitigation by defense counsel Ronald Charles may have helped avert a custodial sentence being imposed on him by Magistrate Candia Carette George.

The Canefield resident who was arrested by officers of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) who were on foot patrol on May 29, 2012 on St. Johnston Avenue in Pottersville, was fined EC$800.00.

Polydore was found  with 24 grams of cannabis in his possession.

His lawyer Ronald Charles told the court that Polydore was a first time offender, had not wasted the court’s time and was embarrassed and remorseful.

“He is ashamed of what has happened and the embarrassment to him and his mother (who is here in court). Your Worship he now wants to openly apologize to the court and his mother for his actions,” Charles told the court.

The attorney asked the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing, and asked for a non- custodial sentence.

Polydore was allowed to express his remorse about the incident, and told the court “I am sorry for what has happened and the hurt and embarrassment it has caused me and my mother.”

He also promised to be on good behavior.

Magistrate Carette-George told Polydore “you are working, continue to do so and don’t do anything illegal…..don’t come back before this court again”.

He was fined EC$800.00 to be paid by July 31, 2012 (he could face two months in jail if the fine is not paid) for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

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14 Comments

  1. Justice and Truth
    June 1, 2012

    He escaped custodial sentence? He only stated that he is embarrassed for himself and his mother. He has not promised to cease his illegal actions. This is no promise that he will not do it again. The next time he goes before the Court, the magistrate, for the same infraction just throw him in jail for some years and let him rot there. These criminals are taking advantage of the Court and playing on the compassion of the magistrates.

    • Truly Blessed
      June 2, 2012

      shut up “justice and truth”. He apologised to his mother and he promised he will not do it again. were u in court? stop judging people by what u read and go and sit in court.

      • Justice and Truth
        June 2, 2012

        @ Truly Blessed

        According to this article I utilized my common sense. He is a bold man. He was told not to take the item and he walked away with it as if he owned it or paid for it. Then, he may be a mental case who needs to be incarcerated in a mental home because of this. What type of person are you? Can he keep the promise and will he ever keep it? This is what the Magistrate should have asked him.
        Are you truly blessed? I do not think so. Have respect and speak, rather write courteously. Do not use these words ‘truly blessed’. You are blaspheming God and it is a sin to do so because of your comments.
        Face the fact, the man is a habitual thief. Wait and see. A leopard does not change its skin overnight. He cannot change without God’s help and if he is serious about changing with the blessing and grace of God. He has to ask God for it, to be loving, humble, sincerely repent and to make restitution otherwise he will not be forgiven and will continue in his evil ways of stealing. This includes worship and prayers. So many people are without this knowledge, including you. Some Christian, eh! :twisted: :twisted:
        What do you know about God, about Holy Scriptures and what is contained therein? :twisted:

  2. bb
    May 31, 2012

    Oh Boy! that is what bad company will bring. Please come back to the Lord.
    He is waiting with oprn arms to welcome you back.

  3. watching Candi
    May 31, 2012

    Like lawyer francis would say to the magistrate or judge:”one little eyes red ur honor?”candi this is bs a magistrate’s position ought to be more relavant for just a little “eyes red”what about those criminals in high office who are treated with kids gloves. those who recently broke ground for the coast guard, those who pull fire arms on onlookers of their so-call property.
    candi you arew a big disappointment.

  4. ya kill me, si!!!!!!
    May 31, 2012

    dominica, your justice system makes me sick. uggghhhhhhhhhh

  5. hat
    May 31, 2012

    :cry: :cry: :cry: JOJO!!! that u come 2!!! alas alas alas. fix urself before it is too late!!! :cry: :cry:

  6. vanasse
    May 31, 2012

    no one who sell drugs is ashame of what they doing because it the fastest way to make fast money

  7. wiser than
    May 31, 2012

    the magistrate said do not do anything illegal again. what is the difference between illegal and wrong, and legal and right. we all know that not all what is legal is right. just as all what is illegal is not wrong. marijuana no.1 CASH crop in the world. the only thing the system can’t control and reap all its benefits so they terrorize the people.

  8. May 31, 2012

    Learn from that, boy, whoever u are. When u think there’s none watching, God is. We all have been given a choice in life and its up to us what we do with is and it comes with our path of life. U do drugs, u live the life drugs gives. Thats your choice and u alone can control your choice, not even satan that can take it because GOD gave it, be wise and make tha best of it.Good Luck.

  9. Not a herd follower
    May 31, 2012

    again, more pettiness before the Court.

  10. Political Observer
    May 31, 2012

    It seems that its is only folks found with the holy herb are the ones who seem to get arrested and taken to court and sentenced.

    • Peeping Tom
      May 31, 2012

      The «holy herb», Political Observer, is illegal in Dominica. Are you not happy that the laws of the land are being enforced? At least, this time around, no one can say that Dominica is a «lawless land». Are you not even the slightest bit contented about that?

      • ideal
        May 31, 2012

        enforce yes but what about the big drug lords when will they get their day in court and jail time?

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