Drug supplier allowed home for Christmas to see ill relation

Monday 18 December 2017

Jersey’s Royal Court has allowed a woman, in custody for a drugs offence, home for Christmas if she can prove a relation has stomach cancer.

48-year-old Joanne Jones from Wales, has pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

She was charged after a police raid on her home in St. Brelade, and her car valeting business premises, found 500 grams of the drug. 

Ms Jones pleaded guilty to the charge in November, but reserved her plea during Friday’s Royal Court hearing for a money laundering offence - after Jersey Police allegedly discovered thousands of pounds in cash at her home address and in bank accounts.

Defence Advocate Julian Gollop asked the court for bail, based on compassionate grounds.

He explained Ms Jones and her partner had a three-year-old son, and family were visiting from France to spend Christmas with them. Ms Jones’ stepfather-in-law had been diagnosed with stomach cancer three weeks ago, and this may be the last time she will see him.

Presiding, Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq granted Ms Jones bail for three days over Christmas, during which she would be under house arrest, if she can produce a letter from a doctor confirming the cancer diagnosis.

Ms Jones is due back in court on the 5 January 2018.