Barbados Today

A St Philip woman who admitted today that she uses marijuana and formerly used cocaine, will be sentenced after a pre-sentencing report is handed over to the court on October 23.

Ayla Nikita Harewood, of No. 24 Palace Gardens in the said parish, went before Magistrate Douglas Frederick in the District ‘A’ Magistrates’ Court on a drug possession charge to which she pleaded guilty.

Police were at School Road, Halls Road, St Michael on August 27, when they saw a car parked in the area. They spoke to the unemployed woman concerning a search of the vehicle and, at the end of this exercise, a paper wrapping of marijuana was found under the driver’s seat.

Harewood told police at the time that she forgot it there when she parked the car. In court today, she apologized and assured the court that it would not happen again.

She also said she “did not know it was there. I had friends in the car and I didn’t know it get way”, she added. Harewood further said: “It was found in my car so I can’t say that it is not mine.”

After complimenting her parents on their support by being present at court, the magistrate explained to the family that since Harewood  is a first offender, the court would make an effort to rehabilitate her.

Based on the pending report, it is very likely that Harewood would have to undergo some form of drug rehabilitation which would include random drug testing.

She was granted $3,000 bail.