Months after posting a threatening video on social media aimed at the police on the heels of Othneil ‘Thickman’ Lobban’s demise, Clarendon resident Dhana Warren has been ordered to pay a hefty fine or face jail time.
The 23-year-old went viral for advocating gang violence after the reputed don was reportedly shot dead in a confrontation with police. Her viral moment resulted in her arrest and a charge of malicious communication, to which Warren pleaded guilty.
She was sentenced in the St Catherine Parish Court on Thursday by Judge Geneta Smikle. The judge ruled that Warren must pay a $900,000 fine or serve four months in prison.
While delivering the sentence, Judge Smikle noted that Warren had no prior convictions and was a first-time offender. She emphasised that a custodial sentence would not be appropriate under the circumstances, referencing section 3(1) of the Criminal Justice (Administration) Act.
However, the judge also emphasised the importance of giving Warren an opportunity to reflect on her actions, which made her ruling appropriate.
Warren’s attorney, Rodain Richardson, appealed to the court for leniency. He suggested that the court consider a non-custodial sentence. He explained that his client had been drinking when she recorded the video and that her behaviour was out of character. He also pointed out that Warren had already spent several months in custody since her arrest.
The incident dates back to January 23, when Warren published a video online in which she issued threats to law enforcement officers following the fatal shooting of Lobban. Investigators tracked Warren to May Pen, Clarendon, where she was taken into custody. She was later charged after participating in a police-led question-and-answer session.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Warren appeared in court multiple times. At one stage, the judge ordered a psychiatric assessment to be carried out.