Teenager Pleads Guilty To Ganja Consumption & Possession Of A Grinder

By Alric Lindsay

19-year-old Dave Anthony Gillespie appeared in the Summary Court today, July 21, 2026, to face allegations of consumption and possession of a controlled drug and possession of a utensil used in the preparation or consumption of a controlled drug.  He pled guilty to two charges. All other contemplated charges were dropped.

Regarding the consumption charge, the court heard that, on a day unknown between November 21 and December 19, 2025, Gillespie consumed Ganja without lawful excuse. He pled guilty.

Concerning the possession of a utensil used in the preparation or consumption of a controlled drug, the court heard that, on December 18, 2025, in the vicinity of Border Drive, George Town, the utensil being a grinder. He pled guilty.

Arguing on his behalf, defence attorney Stacy-Ann Kelly indicated that there was a further file that was “in the pipeline” and asked that it be brought before the court so that all matters could be dealt with together. However, later in the same sitting, when the matter was revisited, DPP Crown Counsel confirmed there were no further matters outstanding, stating that police “seem to have taken a certain course” in relation to the second file.

Having entered guilty pleas, the Chief Magistrate placed Gillespie on a drug-testing regime ahead of sentencing, with tests set for July 31, August 14 and August 28, 2026, and a further test added for September 4, 2026.

Sentencing was fixed for September 9, 2026, with the Chief Magistrate confirming the defendant would be tested on the day of sentencing.