Ganja defendant was convicted previously

Five men, including one with a previous conviction in this jurisdiction, appeared in Summary Court on Monday charged with importing approximately 785 pounds of ganja into Cayman waters.  

Crown Counsel Marilyn Brandt said Royal Cayman Islands Police Marine Units were on patrol in Cayman waters around 2.30am on Tuesday, 1 November, when they encountered a 32-foot Jamaican canoe. As the police approached, the canoe picked up speed and collided with the police vessel. She said the five defendants were the five males on board. When a spotlight was shone on them, it appeared they were carrying ganja.  

All have been charged with importation of ganja, being concerned in importation, possession with intent to supply and possession. They also face charges of illegal landing. 

Ms. Brandt said Andrew Anthony Williams, 51, has a previous conviction in Cayman. In 2008, he received a sentence of 18 months for importation of ganja and was recommended for deportation.  

“So he is a repeat offender,” she said. 

Magistrate Nova Hall later said the possible sentence on conviction for a second or subsequent conviction for importation of ganja is 15 years. On that basis he could be a candidate for legal aid, she said.  

The maximum sentence for ganja-related first offences is seven years. Legal aid may be available in cases of scheduled offences [such as murder or rape] as well as offences for which the potential sentence is 14 years or more. 

Williams’ charge sheet lists his home address as Rocky Point in Clarendon, Jamaica. Ms. Brandt said he denied knowledge of the ganja, saying he couldn’t smell anything because he was drunk. 

The other accused and their home addresses in Jamaica are: Gareth Walters, 29 of Belmont, Westmoreland; Elvis Stewart Standies, 37, of Whitehouse, Westmoreland; David Iziah Roxburgh, 52, of Belmont, Westmoreland; and Junior Swaby, 22, of Hanover, Negril.  

Ms. Brandt said the men were all interviewed and no comments were made by them as to where they were going or what their intent was at the time. 

However, Standies did tell officers he had no idea ganja was on board the vessel; he said he was coming to Cayman to see his brother. 

The magistrate asked if the men had taken steps to get a lawyer. Told that they had, she adjourned the matter until Tuesday, 15 November.