Attempted bribe leads to $300k fine

An attempt to bribe police officers with $3,000 resulted in a Corporate Area man being fined $300,000 by a senior parish judge on Tuesday.

Damion Howell was fined $150,000 for one count each for bribery, and attempting to pervert the course of justice by Senior Parish Judge Paula Blake-Powell. If he is unable to pay the fines, he will face 12 months' imprisonment. It was outlined by prosecutors that on December 11, 2023, Howell offered a police officer $3,000 not to be prosecuted. It was not shared what breach the defendant committed. It was shared further in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court that Howell was found with a pound of ganja and was subsequently charged with possession of and dealing in ganja.

Howell, who is currently serving a two-year prison sentence, which began in July, pleaded guilty to all the offences.

"I wasn't trying to bribe anyone but [I plead] guilty to finish the case," Howell initially indicated.

But he quickly apologised following the intervention of his attorney.

"I'm sorry about that Your Honour, I am guilty. Guilty My Lady," the defendant said.

On the count of possession of ganja, he was fined $4,367.50 or 10 days' imprisonment and for dealing in ganja, he was fined $6,114.50 or 10 days' imprisonment. If the fines are not paid, the sentences are to run concurrently with his sentence being served.