David Legair’s sentence is three days short of ten years for trafficking and six years, two months, 27 days for possession. The sentences will run concurrently.
Legair’s fate is as a result of an incident dated back to September 12, 2016, when he attempted to dispatch a box to Union Island in the Southern Grenadines. He got to the Grenadines Wharf by way of a delivery truck for a company with whom he was working, and proceeded on foot to take the package on to the vessel.
The box he was carrying had in six rectangular shaped packages which turned out to be cocaine estimated at 6.825 kilos according to court figures. The box had a name on it, and Legair was arrested.
His trial began May 31 and ended June 7 this year. The jury returned a guilty verdict, but Legair’s penalty came last Friday, June 25.
Lawyer Duane Daniel, acting in defence, made an impassioned plea. He noted that Legair “was at level best a ‘mule’.”
Daniel also pointed out that “there was clear tampering of the packages.”
He described Legair, aged 49, as having an “industrious character.”
The defence attorney noted that Legair co-operated with the Police and that “there are no aggravating factors.” He requested the lowest scale of sentencing.
But Justice Brian Cottle had a different perspective of things. He pointed to the jury’s unanimity and took into consideration, Daniel’s reference to time on remand. That was for three days from June 7 to 9.
Cottle outlined the seriousness of the offences which can earn a life sentence, or as high as 25 years and fines up to $5M.
During police investigations, a search of Legair’s home uncovered a vacuum sealer and tape.
Crown Counsels Rose Ann Richardson and Shackell Bobb appeared for the prosecution.