KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake Powell refused to allow a ganja case against a minor on Tuesday to advance following concerns about the teen’s welfare.

The teenager arrived at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court unaccompanied by any family members but alongside an adult co-accused. Both were charged with ganja offences.

A diligent police officer, upon realising the child was underaged and unaccompanied, alerted the judge.

Upon queries, it was revealed that the teenager’s guardians reside in another city, a significant distance away, and the teen had been visiting an adult sibling.

That sibling, who was not present, was subsequently called to court to represent the teen.

However, upon arrival to the courtroom, the adult sibling could neither recite the teen’s date of birth nor their mother’s full name.

The situation concerned the judge enough that she ordered the investigating officer to file a care and protection application in the family court.

“The court wants proof that the issue of [the child’s] welfare is being attended to,” Blake Powell said.

The criminal ganga charges are on hold until the matter is looked into by the family court.

The adult co-accused in the matter pleaded guilty to charges of possession and dealing in ganja and was handed fines of $1,300 and $2,600 for the respective charges.

— Dana Malcolm