A woman who pleaded guilty to possession of ganja and dealing in ganja was shown compassion by Chief Parish Judge at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, Chester Crooks, when she explained she has struggled with the use of the substance since her child’s father died in 1995.

Jacqueline Morgan, who was charged with a male companion, told the court on Thursday, April 14 that the 12.08oz of marijuana found under a bed in their house on Friday, April 1 was given to her by another male friend because she “smoke di weed hard.”

Her age was not disclosed and Morgan stated that that friend was not charged.

“Are you addicted to it (ganja)?” a seemingly concerned Crooks asked the woman.

“From me baby father dead in 1995 I can’t stop,” Morgan replied, although she did not state what caused his death.

Taking into consideration what Morgan revealed, Crooks asked her if she would like to stop smoking ganja, to which she answered in the affirmative.

After getting her answer, Crooks advised Morgan that he would refer her for drug addiction treatment. This, he said, would be free of cost and would allow her to access resources that would aid in her addiction to marijuana.

Grateful, Morgan responded, “yes, sir. Thank you.”

She was advised to appear before the Drug Addiction Court on May 4.

However, her male companion that was present in court with her, Ricardo Obsbourne, pleaded not guilty to charges. His return court date is also scheduled for May 4.

According to court documents, police, acting on intelligence, received and executed a search warrant at the house occupied by Morgan and Osbourne. The police reported that after seeing the police, Osbourne ran into the house and officers gave chase. He was held and the house was searched and ganja found under a bed.