Dentist's Drug Charge Dropped

Charges against dentist Dr. Adaline John and her son were dropped today but her husband Victor John, a school teacher, who pleaded guilty to all charges, was fined at the Magistrate's court in Roseau. Dr. John and her son pleaded not guilty and the prosecution did not produce evidence to contradict them.

In a mitigation plea, lawyer Kondowani Williams asked the court to take into account that Victor John was a school teacher and had already suffered "humiliation" in the matter. He may also lose his job. John, Williams said, had "not wasted the courts time" and was "sorry and apologetic" for his actions. The lawyer asked the court not to impose a custodial sentence on his client.

Subsequently, Magistrate Candia George charged Victor John $1,000 for possession with intent to supply 227 grams of cannabis; he has until 30th November, 2013 to pay and in default he will spend three months in prison.

He was also fined $1,000 for the cultivation of 23 plants of cannabis; that fine must be paid by 30th December 2013 or in default he will spend three months in prison.