underwear.

Unemployed Clinton Godfrey, 25, of Happy Valley Road, was given a suspended prison sentence and community service after pleading guilty to importation and possession of 31.8 grammes of cannabis.

Prosecuting, Police Insp. Peter Duffy said that Godfrey had been stopped at the Civil Airport by Customs officers, on July 30.

He was searched and the officers found the cannabis hidden in a plastic bag in his underwear. He later told Police that it was for his own personal use.

Defending Godfrey, Mr. Archie Warner said: " Although 31.8 grammes seems more than the amount of drugs that would be bought on the streets for personal use, the officers involved were satisfied it was for his personal use.

"He was on a visit to New York and he told Police that he purchased the drugs, but it was not a straightforward purchase but a barter for T-shirts.'' Acting Senior Magistrate, the Wor. John Judge said: "If you are unemployed you are not in a reasonable position to pay a fine. The fine for this sort of offence is substantial.

"As your counsel says, the importation of drugs normally carries a prison sentence, and for that quantity it would be around 18 months.

"I accept that there is no question of you dealing in illegal drugs. As an alternative to sentencing you to prison you can undergo a period of community service for the benefit of the community if you consent.'' Godfrey agreed and was sentenced to 150 hours communtiy service on the possession charge and 18 months in prison suspended for two years for importation.