An elderly Kingston resident will return to the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on 24 June after a brief appearance Tuesday in which the presiding judge raised concerns about possible coercion.
Van Edwards, charged with possession of ganja, dealing in ganja, and operating a premises for its sale, readily accepted blame for roughly nine pounds of cannabis discovered at a property he said was shared by his daughter and other occupants.
Asked by Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell why he wanted legal representation, Edwards replied, “To beg for me.” The matter was briefly stood down to allow him to consult an attorney; he ultimately applied for legal‑aid counsel.
Judge Burrell noted that Edwards’ explanation suggested he might have assumed guilt to shield his daughter and others. The court therefore scheduled a case‑management hearing for 24 June to clarify the facts and determine next steps.
