A pregnant woman admitted to being a marijuana addict when she appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates’ Court charged with possession of marijuana.
Six-months pregnant Leann Allicock, 32, a mother of one, was charged jointly with Ancil Valdez, 51, a used car parts salesman.
They appeared before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John.
Allicock’s lawyer, Annalee Girwar, told the magistrate her client wished to be sent before the Drug Treatment Court.
Girwar said it was the first time Allicock was ever arrested, but having regard to her history, transferring the matter to drug court was the best approach. The magistrate granted the request.
Girwar said Allicock still had to be assessed to determine whether she would be accepted at the drug court. Allicock was granted bail for her to fill out the relevant forms and will return to court on October 21. Meanwhile, Valdez, of Penal, pleaded guilty to marijuana possession and resisting arrest. Both Valdez and Allicock were arrested on Thursday around 9.45 pm at Southern Main Road, Pointe-a-Pierre.
PC Ganesh Ramnanan, of Southern Division Task Force, became suspicious after he saw a parked car in a poorly lit area.
Court prosecutor Sgt Diananth Harricharan said when Ramnanan approached the car Valdez was in the drivers’ seat and Allicock was in the passenger seat.
Ramnanan ordered both of them out the car. Upon searching the car, the officer found two packets of marijuana weighing 4.4 grammes between the two front seats.
When the officer tried to arrest Valdez he pulled his hand away in a violent manner.
Asking for leniency, Girwar said Valdez had the marijuana for his own personal use.
She said he used it to alleviate pain caused by a stroke he suffered two years ago.
She said Valdez did not expect the officer to grab his hand so tightly and he reacted by instinct.
Valdez was ordered to pay $1,100 in fines which his brother said he would pay forthwith.