The Sarnia Observer

Letters to the Editor


Wednesday, August 27, 2008


Men charged


Posted By NEIL BOWEN, THE OBSERVER


Marijuana possession brought three men penalties ranging from community service to a $1,500 fine Monday in Sarnia court.

Kevin Clark, 33, of Burlington, Ont., was given a suspended sentence and placed on probation for one year when he must perform 40 hours of community service.

He pleaded guilty to possessing 6.9 grams of marijuana while sitting around a campfire July 12 in Pinery Provincial Park.

"I understand I broke the law and now understand how serious it is," said Clark.

Federal prosecutor Michael Robb called for community service because the offence occurred in a public park.

David Vanderweide, 31, of Chatham was fined $500 after he pleaded guilty to possession of 12 grams of marijuana. During a July 12 RIDE check in St. Clair Township two bags of marijuana were found.

Vanderweide had a 1997 conviction for a similar offence.

Justice Ann McFadyen said a third conviction could bring jail time.

He was also placed on probation for one year.

Christopher Laurin, 54, of Kitchener, was fined $1,500 when he pleaded guilty to possession of eight grams of marijuana.

Laurin had been yelling while drinking from a box of wine at a Grand Bend condominium.

He had difficulty standing up and his speech was slurred.

He told an OPP officer he didn't live there and didn't have identification.

He went looking for his identification in his vehicle, where the officer spotted a bag of marijuana.


Article ID# 1174293