[UPDATED] Aboud changes plea to 'not guilty'

A man attempts to block the media from taking photographs of Elias Aboud, left, as he makes his way to the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court where he appeared on charges of possession of marijuana and narcotic related offences. Photo by Angelo Marcelle
A man attempts to block the media from taking photographs of Elias Aboud, left, as he makes his way to the Port of Spain Magistrates' Court where he appeared on charges of possession of marijuana and narcotic related offences. Photo by Angelo Marcelle

ELIAS Aboud, of Westmoorings, has changed his plea from guilty to not guilty of cultivation of marijuana and possession of a Taser.

However, he maintains his guilty plea to the other four charges of marijuana possession and possession of devices for the illicit use of the drug.

Aboud changed his plea for two of the six charges when he reappeared before acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine in the Port of Spain Fifth Court yesterday.

He first appeared before Antoine on July 1.

One of his attorneys, Ian Brooks, told Antoine his client had defences for those two charges, and he was duty-bound to pursue those matters, hence the reason for the change of plea.

He also said his client, who was supposed to provide character references on his behalf for sentencing, was still awaiting a report from the St Ann’s Mental Hospital and was told that would take six weeks.

Brooks said he hoped the report was ready by August 21, when Aboud returned to court for his sentencing hearing.

Aboud, 25, of Sandown Road, Goodwood Park, Westmoorings, was held at Victoria Gardens, Diego Martin, along with another man, by police on a traffic exercise in the area on June 30. His home was later searched.

The charges were that on June 30, at Victoria Gardens, he had in his possession marijuana, a Taser and devices for the illicit use of the drug. It was alleged that at Sandown Road he also had in his possession marijuana and devices for the illicit use of the drugs, and cultivated the drug at that address.

When he first appeared in court, the prosecution recommended summary trial and Aboud pleaded guilty to all the charges.

Another man, Alex Franco, was also charged with possession of marijuana and devices for the illicit use of the drug arising out of the same incident. He pleaded not guilty. Attorney Criston J Williams also represents Aboud.

This story has been adjusted to include additional details. See original post below.


ELIAS Aboud, of Westmoorings, has changed his plea from guilty to not guilty of cultivation of marijuana and possession of a taser.

However, he maintains his guilty plea to the other charges of marijuana possession and possession of devices for the illicit use of the drug.

Aboud changed his plea for two of the six charges when he reappeared before acting Deputy Chief Magistrate Cherril-Anne Antoine in the Port of Spain Fifth Court on Friday.

He first appeared before Antoine on July 1.

One of his attorneys, Ian Brooks, told Antoine his client had defenses for those two charges and he was duty bound to pursue those matters hence the reason for the change of plea.

He also said his client, who was supposed to provide character references on his behalf for sentencing, was still awaiting a report from the St Ann’s Psychiatric Hospital and was told this would take six-weeks.

Brooks said he hopes the report is ready by August 21, when Aboud returns to court for his sentencing hearing.

Elias Aboud, 25, of Sandown Road, Goodwood Park, Westmoorings, was held at Victoria Gardens, Diego Martin, along with another man, by police conducting a traffic exercise in the area.

A search warrant was also executed on his home at Sandown Road.

Attorney Criston J Williams also represents Aboud.

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"[UPDATED] Aboud changes plea to ‘not guilty’"

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