Fish Cleaner Fined, But Not Confined for Drug Offence

Michelle Reynard

Twenty-three-year-old Michelle Reynard narrowly escaped jail today after appearing before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on a fourth conviction for drug-related offenses.  The fish cleaner who works out of the Conch Shell Bay Fish Market pleaded guilty to possession of thirty-nine grams of cannabis.  The young woman threw herself at the mercy of the court, seeking leniency in the form of a fine as opposed to jail time.  Nonetheless, the lower court judge was of the view that she has a drug problem and fines do not seem to be working.  That being said, Reynard was given another chance and instead of imposing a custodial sentence, imposed a significant fine of eight hundred dollars.  The penalty must be paid by February second, 2016 or in default she will serve six months in prison.  Reynard’s rap sheet includes a conviction for drug trafficking, as well as possession of a controlled drug, dating back to 2013 and 2015, respectively.