A man was fined $1,800 after being caught smoking cannabis in a public park.

David Leverock, 31, was arrested by Police after they spotted him smoking a joint in Point Pleasant Park on November 25.

Leverock, of Pembroke, yesterday pleaded guilty to possession of drugs at Magistrates' Court.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke said: "As Police entered the park they could smell cannabis in the area. A group of young men were sitting under a palm tree and a man was sitting with them, with his back against the palm tree."

When officers questioned Leverock, he admitted: "I have some weed on me".

He produced two small bags, containing 0.51 grams of cannabis, from his wallet. "I just had a little smoke," he said.

Leverock told the court: "I lost my father the same month and I wasn't thinking clearly, I was kind of stressed. I was just minding my own business and the cop came up to me."

The park, on the Hamilton waterfront, is classed as an Increased Penalty Zone.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner told Leverock: "Even in paradise you can't sit under a palm tree and smoke. In Bermuda possession of cannabis is still a serious offence and a criminal offence." He fined him $1,800.

Leverock appeared shocked at the extent of the fine, of which $1,000 is due to the location being an Increased Penalty Zone. He has 30 days to pay it.

"What?!," he said. "You think money grows on trees?"

Mr. Warner replied: "No, but ganja does."