ROYAL COURT
(Samedi Division)
21 May 1999
Before: F C Hamon Esq Deputy Bailiff and
Jurats Quérée and Le Breton
AG -v- Zachary Edward Charles Carrel
2 counts of possession of a controlled drug, contrary to Article 6(1) of the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law, 1978:
Count 1: cannabis resin
Count 2: heroin
1 count of possession of a controlled drug, with intent to supply, contrary to Article 6(2) of the Misuse of Drugs (Jersey) Law, 1978:
Count 3: heroin
Age: 26.
Plea: Guilty.
Details of Offence:
Count 1: In July, 1998, during the course of the search of Carrel’s living accommodation he was found to be in possession of two nuggets of cannabis resin totalling 2.08 grams (street value £5-£10) and fragments weighing 147 milligrams from a hand-rolled cigarette.
Count 2: In January, 1999, Carrel was stopped in St. Saviour’s Road and was found to be in possession of one wrap of heroin (155 milligrams, 59% purity, street value £45-£50) in his pocket. He was taken to Police Headquarters and in the waistband of his boxer shorts was found to be in possession of 2.87 grams of heroin, 62% purity, sufficient to make up to 30 wraps, value £30 per wrap (police estimate) or £50 per wrap, (Carrel’s estimate) street value of drugs between £860 (police estimate) and £1,500 (Carrel’s estimate). Carrel explained that he had received the heroin from a supplier (whom he declined to name) with instructions to divide it into 30 x £50 wraps and return it thus packaged to the unnamed supplier. Carrel found in possession of a small set of electronic scales at the time of his arrest. Weighing and packaging would have taken two hours’ work in return for which Carrel was to be given a few of the wraps for his own consumption. Carrel is a long term heroin addict.
Details of Mitigation:
Plea of guilty, limited co-operation, heroin addict, had made attempts to wean himself off drugs, relative youth, difficult family circumstances/background.
Previous Convictions:
In 1993 fined £100 for simple possession of cannabis. In February, 1997, Carrel was put on probation for nine months for simple possession of lysergide, ecstasy and temazepan including possession of utensils. In September, 1997, Carrel was imprisoned for three months for possession of lysergide and three counts of possession of cannabis. Also in breach of probation order at this date.
Conclusions:
Count 1: 1 month imprisonment.
Count 2: 9 months imprisonment.
Count 3: 3½ years imprisonment.
Counts 2 & 3 concurrent; count 1 consecutive.
TOTAL: 3 years 7 months imprisonment.
Sentence and Observations of the Court:
Conclusions granted, except that all sentences to run concurrently.
TOTAL SENTENCE: 3½ years’ imprisonment.
Carrel was more than a mere custodian and took an active part in wrapping the drugs for return to the supplier and then onward sale in the Island of Jersey.
P Matthews Esq Crown Advocate
Advocate P C Harris for the accused
No Authorities