A MAN who claimed to have “found” 37g of cannabis on the road before stashing it away behind his kitchen cabinet has been spared jail because of a “complication with his toes”.
Joao Nelson Martins Castro (45) appeared in the Magistrate’s Court on Thursday to plead guilty to a single count of possessing a Class B controlled drug.
Laying out the facts, Crown Advocate Kerry Grieve, prosecuting, said that police had searched the defendant’s St Helier address on 23 September 2025 and found a “small fabric bag” containing cash and cannabis resin.
“The bag was located behind a cabinet in the kitchen attached to a piece of string,” she stated. “The defendant was then arrested, cautioned and taken to the police station.”
The court heard that Castro told investigators that he had hidden the cannabis away because he “didn’t want visitors to his address to take it”.
“He claims to have found the drugs after witnessing two young males hiding a black bag near Westmount Road,” Advocate Grieve said.
She added that Castro “denied having any intention to supply the drugs” and planned on smoking the 37.16g of cannabis himself.
The prosecutor noted that the defendant had several relevant previous convictions – including prior convictions in July 2024 for possession of cannabis, and in October 2022 for possession with intent to supply.
Advocate James Bell, defending, provided the court with a “few reasons” as to why his client should be dealt with by way of a financial penalty.
“The mitigation on the facts is that Mr Castro is currently signed off work, or unable to work, by reason of a complication with his toes, which affects both his knees and legs,” he told the court.
“He is awaiting surgery on his toe, in particular, and is on the waiting list.”
He added that the matter of “personal possession” would not “justify” a custodial sentence, before adding that community service would also “not be straightforward” owing to ongoing issues with his client’s feet.
Moreover, it was argued that Castro “now has a prescription for medicinal cannabis” and will be able to use his lawful supply for personal use going forward.
Relief Magistrate David Le Cornu, presiding, told the defendant that “in view” of his lawyer’s submissions he would be “prepared to deal with this by way of a fine”.
He fined Castro £1,500, to be paid at a rate of £50 per week. An order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the cannabis.
