A young footballer was given a suspended sentence in Magistrates' Court yesterday after admitting to possessing heroin with the intent to supply.

Angelo Simmons, 20, of Alexandra Road in Devonshire pleaded guilty to possessing 2.65 grams of heroin in an increased penalty zone, namely Victor Scott Primary School on Glebe Road in Pembroke.

Simmons, a well known player for the Boulevard Blazers, was represented in court by lawyer Charles Richardson and apologised for his actions, saying: "I'm sorry for wasting the court's time. I wasted my time."

While speaking to Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo, Simmons admitted he had hurt his family and loved ones in addition to himself and asked for another chance to fulfil his dreams in sport.

"I'm just asking for another second chance at life your honour," he added.

Magistrate Tokunbo considered it a "pity (that) it takes something so serious to commit yourself to keep you away from negative influences, negative things".

He sentenced Simmons to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years and said: "It is on you whether you go to prison or whether you get yourself together or not."