Teenagers get probation

Two former murder suspects were given two years' probation this week for dodging a taxi fare.

Gary Hollis, 17, and Zharrin Simmons, 18, asked taxi driver Gilbert Pearman to take them home from Hamilton to Sandys in the early hours of January 18, but then skipped the $32 fare.

When the taxi got to Spring Benny Road the pair ran off without paying, together with two friends.

Hollis and Simmons admitted the offence at Plea Court on March 12. Yesterday they were sentenced by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner following Social Inquiry Reports.

Both defendants were previous suspects in the murder of Kellon Hill on August 9, 2008. They faced trial last year along with three other teenagers but were cleared of any offence.

Yesterday, commenting on the taxi fare Simmons told the court: "I learned my lesson when it came to it, even though it was a whole misunderstanding.

"I should have never let it go this far. When it comes to my Social Inquiry Report, I just turned 18 and I'm trying to move on with my life.

"I just got a job and I want to move on with my life. I just feel that it was a mistake, it was a misunderstanding. I'm just trying to make something happen for myself."

Mr. Warner said: "Both of you have substantial issues."

Simmons said: "Not everyone can understand. When you say issues, not everyone is on the same page of trying to help people, so I'm trying to help myself.

"I take my fault for it, that's why I pleaded guilty, because I was."

Hollis told the court: "I'm getting older. I got off of this case, a murder case, and since I've been out no one tried to help me, nobody, so I'm back in.

"I just want to try to lend a hand. When I was locked up everyone was trying to help, people in Government, but when I got out no one wanted to help me.

"Now I'm back in court, everyone wants to help."

Mr. Warner said: "I don't know what has gone on before but it is my job now to investigate and see how I can help. That's why I'm asking you about these issues that were discussed in this report."

He sentenced both Simmons and Hollis to two years' probation. They must also follow a 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for six months.

Simmons must also receive a psychological assessment and follow random drug testing.

Schoolboy caught with cannabis

A magistrate called for a schoolboy caught with six bags of cannabis to be expelled.

Mykellan Kerr was found with 5.56 grams of the drug at around 12 a.m. on November 28.

He told Magistrates' Court on Thursday it was for his personal use to help him cope with his mother's death.

The 16-year-old, of Pembroke, was caught with the bags during a random Police search at the corner of Front and King Streets.

He admitted possession yesterday in Magistrates' Court.

Asked by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner why he was carrying the drugs, the Berkeley Institute student said: "I have my reasons. My mother had passed away in August. I had it for my personal use."

Mr. Warner however, told him: "You're not only a disgrace to your school but you're a disgrace to the memory of your mother, because I'm sure she will be disappointed at you behaving in this way.

"You should not be allowed to go to that school to influence other people, you should be expelled."

He continued: "On the face of it you're a drug pusher. From sitting here I don't think that schoolboys walk around with six bags of weed in their possession at 12 o'clock in the morning too.

"How can I accept you behaved this way because of that reason, for grief?"

Kerr replied: "Many people have reasons and I have mine."

Defence counsel Larry Mussenden said: "I support this gentleman's plea for a conditional discharge in all the circumstances."

Mr. Warner ordered a Social Inquiry Report and adjourned sentencing until June 18.

Kerr was bailed for $2,000 with one surety.