yesterday after a Supreme Court jury acquitted him of drug charges.

After two-and-a-half hours of deliberation, the eight-woman, four-men jury found Richardson not guilty of possessing $42,000 worth of cannabis with intent to supply and handling the drug with intent to supply.

Screams of elation erupted from the gallery from friends, relatives and well wishers.

Many of them who skipped work to attend the week-long trial turned to each other gleefully unable to contain their happiness.

Richardson, 32, of Northlands Lane, Pembroke, emerged from the courtroom hugging his girlfriend Rhonda Burgess, his mother, and elder sister.

They were greeted by a jubilant crowd that clapped, embraced them warmly and screamed: "Justice prevailed today! They ain't taking my boy away.'' Richardson raised his arm, making a victory sign as the Casemates van left the courtyard and headed towards Somerset -- empty.

And Richardson's Lawyer Mr. Archie Warner was beaming.

"The jury has spoken,'' he said smiling.

But the verdict was not unanimous. On both counts the jury returned a majority 9-3 ruling.

They began deliberations at 10.52 a.m. yesterday after receiving instructions on the law from Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward.

At 2.30 p.m. they returned seeking further direction.

They wanted to know the legal meaning of the terms possession and intention.

After Mr. Justice Ward explained the terms they retired and resumed their deliberation.

At 2.52 they were back and acquitted Richardson.

Richardson allegedly picked up a box containing a VCR for a friend called George Spencer on July 7, last year at Cheriton Lane in Pembroke.

The VCR had been searched by Federal Express supervisor Gavin Kennedy because it felt heavy on one side.

The search revealed two packages containing plant material later analysed and found to be cannabis. It weighed one pound, fourteen ounces (or 851 grams), and had a street value of $42,850.

Richardson, who never denied he picked up the package, was steadfast in his testimony that he did not know there were drugs inside.

During the trial he told the court that he was punched, kicked and choked by investigating officers Det. Sgt. Stevie Lightbourne and Det. Con. Alex Severin, although he never saw a doctor or filed any complaint to Police.