Father of Two Gets A Second Chance After Police Find Him With 11 Grams of Ganja
Alric Lindsay 
By Alric Lindsay
Justin Bradshad Akkem Connollyappeared before Magistrate McFarlane in the Summary Court today, September 23, 2026, to face charges of Ganja possession and consumption and possession of drug utensils. He was sentenced to a 12-month probation order.
The court heard that on June 24, 2026, police officers spotted a Honda Fit near the intersection of Lincoln Drive and Sparky Drive. Police intercepted the vehicle and noted that Connolly was the driver.
Reportedly, Connolly produced the remnants of a Ganja spliff. A comprehensive search of his vehicle subsequently uncovered a drug grinder, a set of scales, and a container holding 11.8 grams of Ganja. A subsequent urine analysis confirmed he was positive for the drug.
Defence attorney Katie Williams fiercely advocated for her client, emphasizing that Connolly was a young man of good character with no prior criminal convictions. Williams referred to a Pre-Sentence Report highlighting that Connolly was struggling to get back on his feet and was under immense pressure as a provider for his two young children, aged three years and five months.
Williams informed the court that Connolly was desperate to secure meaningful employment but warned that a recorded criminal conviction would permanently destroy his job prospects. She requested that the Magistrate McFarlane exercise discretion to spare him a permanent record.
Magistrate McFarlane acknowledged the positive elements in Connolly’s background report, telling him, “It is unfortunate you lost your employment as a result of this.” However, Magistrate McFarlane expressed sharp disapproval after learning that Connolly had tested positive for Ganja on the very morning of his sentencing hearing.
Giving Connolly a second chance, Magistrate McFarlane sentenced him to 12 months of probation. Under the terms of his release, Connolly must submit to random drug testing, successfully complete any rehabilitation programs recommended by the Department of Community Rehabilitation, and maintain uninterrupted contact with his probation officer. Magistrate McFarlane also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of all seized drugs and advised Connolly of his right to appeal.
