Jerseyman fined for possessing ketamine and LSD

Saturday 25 February 2023

A 26-year-old man has been fined a total of £800 for possession of LSD and ketamine.

James Andrew Mayo pleaded guilty to possession of the class A and B drugs, which were found at a property in St Helier in November.

At the time, a drug squad entered Mayo’s property and found 4.4 grams of ketamine concealed within a tobacco pouch and a further amount in a small plastic bag.

Together, the drugs were valued at approximately £370.

The LSD found at the property weighed 51 milligrams and was worth between £340 and £360, the Magistrate’s Court heard yesterday.

Advocate Chris Baglin, defending, argued that Mayo’s relationship and employment should be considered as "protective factors" for his client.

He said: "Mr Mayo is anxious that he doesn’t find himself back in custody.

"He apologises for being back in court. He is in a position to pay the fine. He’s in a position to do the community service."

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris said: "You’ve got four [previous] drugs charges – it’s a small community. It’s not a massive amount [of drugs], but it’s enough to get you another conviction.

"If you’ve got a relationship and work, then the last thing you need is to be in court.

"You can’t change your record but you can make it worse – today you’ve made it worse."

Mayo was ordered to pay the £800 in fines at £50 per week.

Advocate Sophie Lister was prosecuting.