60-Year-Old Man Receives 12-Month Sentence for Under 2 Pounds of Ganja

KINGSTON – Peter Manning, 60, of Kingston, has been given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for three years, after pleading guilty to possession of ganja, using his premises for the sale of ganja, and dealing in ganja.

The sentence, which includes hard labor and supervision, will run concurrently. Manning was arrested last June after police, acting on a search warrant, found over a pound of ganja at his home.

During sentencing in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court, Judge Sanchia Burrell emphasized Manning’s prior convictions for similar offenses in 2006 and 2014 (under the name Carlton Manning), stating that a fine would not be a sufficient deterrent. “Mr. Manning, you are 60 years old,” Judge Burrell said. “By now I can’t tell you anything about the illegalities of entangling yourself with ganja…You just want to sell ganja, and nobody is going to stop you.” She expressed doubt about Manning’s potential for rehabilitation, adding, “I am of the view that at 60 years old, I cannot rehabilitate you. What I can do is hang something over your head.”

The judge openly disagreed with the probation services’ report, finding it contradictory. “For once, I totally disagree with the probation services…it seems like you will contravene the law again, as you have been selling ganja as a source of income,” she explained.

While Manning’s partner and daughter were initially charged in connection with the ganja found at the residence, those charges were withdrawn. Manning’s attorney argued that he was a good citizen and that his partner was in the process of applying for a cannabis license. However, Judge Burrell pointed to Manning’s dishonest representation of his previous convictions, stating she had to sentence both “Peter” and “Carlton” Manning due to the similar biological details.