Kingston, Jamaica – Two men who pleaded guilty to possessing offensive weapons in public places were fined in Kingston St. Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.
Cliff Roy Hepburn, who was charged with possessing black-handled scissors on June 30, 2024, explained that he had the scissors for “cutting some weeds” and used them for personal purposes. During the court session, Hepburn detailed an encounter with police, stating that he was stopped by officers while traveling in a taxi. The scissors, he said, were used for marijuana, which he was smoking at the time.
Senior District Judge Paula Blake Powell questioned Hepburn about the legality of using the scissors for cutting marijuana. After Hepburn admitted that it was not a lawful reason, Judge Powell confirmed his guilty plea. Hepburn was fined $1,500 or given the option to serve 10 days in jail.
Maurice Maxwell faced charges for possessing a brown-handled three-star ratchet knife in a public place without a permit on July 17, 2023. Maxwell also pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay a fine of $2,500 or spend 10 days in jail.
Both men paid their respective fines and were subsequently released.
