First Public Smoking Conviction Ends with Warning

The first person convicted of smoking in public has been let off with a stern warning on that charge.

Last week, 34-year-old Jammie Darroux of Herberts became the first person convicted of smoking cannabis in public since police recently announced they would begin enforcing the law against the offence.

This morning, Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel reprimanded and discharged the defendant on the smoking in public charge, but fined him $500 for cannabis possession.

The Chief Magistrate also urged members of the public not to smoke in public.

Police say Darroux was found openly smoking a joint in Potters last Monday night.

He faces 14 days in prison if he fails to pay the fine for possession of cannabis.