Rehab charity shop worker "let himself and others down" with cannabis import

Wednesday 13 March 2024

A former manager of a drug and alcohol addiction service charity shop who tried to smuggle cannabis into Jersey has been given a community service order.

Richard Thomas Rawlinson (52), who was previously in charge of Silkworth's fundraising furniture store, was caught trying to bring 25 grams of cannabis resin into the Island on 15 October last year.

Legal adviser Francis Burak, prosecuting, told the Magistrate’s Court that Rawlinson was stopped after coming off the ferry from Poole.

Rawlinson, who has previous convictions for possession of drugs dating back to 1998, 2002, and 2013, admitted the charge at a previous court hearing before Magistrate Bridget Shaw.

The court heard at the time that Rawlinson had been prescribed legal medicinal cannabis in the past and had been struggling with his mental health.

Describing his role as a manager at Silkworth as an "aggravating factor", the Magistrate said she was considering prison, but decided to adjourn sentencing until this week so a background report could be prepared.

In court on Monday, Advocate James Bell, defending, said: “Mr Rawlinson acknowledges that he has struggled with drugs in the past, but he has made significant progress.

“He feels genuine remorse. He has let himself and others down.”

The lawyer also said the drugs had been for Rawlinson’s personal use. Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz imposed a community service order of 50 hours.