KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 60-year-old man who was found with one pound and 8.44 ounces of ganja at his Kingston home last June has been sentenced to 12 months in prison.

Peter Manning, who was charged with possession of ganja, using premises for the sale of ganja, and dealing in ganja, is to serve 12 months in jail at hard labour, suspended for three years with supervision.

The sentence is to run concurrently.

Manning first pleaded guilty when he appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court in July last year.

Presiding Judge Sanchia Burrell, while handing down the sentence, stated that given Manning’s criminal history of dealing in ganja, a fine would not serve as a deterrent.

“Mr Manning, you are 60 years old; by now I can’t tell you anything about the illegalities of entangling yourself with ganja, particularly as you are aware that you can get a licence to legally deal in ganja. You just want to sell ganja, and nobody is going to stop you. Even the licence drives home how much you want to sell ganja products. I am of the view that at 60 years old, I cannot rehabilitate you. What I can do is hang something over your head,” Burrell said.

“For once, I totally disagree with the probation services. In fact, I find this report a little bit contradictory because they are saying apparently you did not learn from your first run-in with the law. Although you acknowledge your upbringing and express willingness to comply, it seems like you will contravene the law again, as you have been selling ganja as a source of income,” she added.

Reports are that police officers conducted an operation on June 19 2024, executing a search warrant at Mannings premises where they found the ganja in various locations throughout the house.

His partner and daughter, who were at the premises during the incident, were also charged with possession of ganja, using premises for the sale of ganja, and dealing in ganja. However, the charges were withdrawn against them during Tuesday’s sentencing.

Judge Burrell described Manning as dishonest after records showed that he had previously been convicted for ganja-related offences in 2006 and 2014 under the name Carlton Manning.

Burrell said she would have to sentence both Peter and Carlton Manning as the biological details are similar.

Manning’s attorney, however, argued that her client is a good citizen whose life has been characterised by service to his family and community.

The attorney also disclosed that Manning’s partner has also taken steps towards regularising the sale of ganja by seeking a cannabis licence.

— Vanassa McKenzie