David Archibald should be considered when determining appropriate sentences for drug dealers.

The argument was put forward in defence of his client, Southampton Rangers soccer star David Burchall, who was later sentenced to eight years in prison by Puisne Judge the Hon. Mrs. Justice Wade.

"Dr. Archibald tends to emphasise not only punishment but a question of rehabilitation in its widest form,'' Mr. Hector told the court. "It also means when we deal with these people and inevitably punish them as they should be punished ... a message should not be sent to the offender that he's being abandoned by our society.

"He should not be left without hope for a future because if he is, he may join that undesirable underclass of our society who feel they have no stake in our future.

"We must deal with him in a way that does not discourage him from feeling, once again, that he can try and make his way back into our society.'' Burchall, of Heathcote Hill, Sandys, was jailed after he pleaded guilty to conspiring to import 107.4 grams of cocaine and possession of the drug, intended for supply.

The cocaine, valued at $28,000, was found on his co-accused, American Katherine Jennings, after she arrived at the Civil Air Terminal on November 6, 1991.

She agreed to meet with her Bermuda contact, who turned out to be Burchall, in order to allow his capture by Police.

Jennings received a four-year sentence for her involvement.

Yesterday, Mrs. Justice Wade told 30-year-old Burchall: "It's regrettable that a young man like you who showed so much promise allowed yourself to be influenced.'' Mr. Hector told the court his client once had an illustrious career as a soccer player, representing Bermuda on both the junior and senior national teams.

"In Bermuda, that is enough to push him into the ranks of superstar,'' he said.

Mr. Hector said Burchall turned down a number of sports scholarships after his father died, so he could support his mother and family.

"He was well thought of in the community. Great things were expected from him. He was particularly admired because unlike a number of young people, he put his shoulders to the task of assisting his mother. She is devastated by this entire matter and quite shocked.

"(He only) succumbed (to drug importation) when he needed funds to assist his younger brother away in school ... and his sister who was accepted to a school in Boston.'' Mrs. Wade sentenced Burchall to eight years on each count, but allowed them to run concurrently.