yesterday for possessing cannabis.

The Rastafarian midfielder smoked the drug for religious reasons, it was claimed at Magistrates' Court.

Defence lawyer Mr. Timothy Marshall agreed Western culture disapproved of cannabis.

But he told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis some countries were taking a more lenient view -- and saw alcohol as a bigger menace.

Bascome, 30, of Long Range Hill, Devonshire, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis.

Prosecutor Sgt. Rex Osborne said Police officers acting on a tip-off arrived at Bascome's home at about 4.20 p.m. on May 27.

In his bedroom, they discovered a ziplock bag containing envelopes.

Sgt. Osborne said plant material was found inside the envelopes, which turned out to be 2.04 grammes of cannabis.

Mr. Marshall said his client, a former coach with Boulevard, had had an unblemished record.

The father-of-one had also been very co-operative with Police, added Mr.

Marshall.

"It is important to stress the cannabis was solely for his personal use.'' Mr. Marshall said smoking marijuana formed a part of Bascome's religion.

"While Western culture disapproves of this particular use of marijuana, nonetheless for many people it is a heartfelt belief that it is an important aspect of religion, and that is particularly the case with Mr. Bascome.

"Other countries are taking a much more lenient view with respect to marijuana, recognising people do use it for religious reasons.'' He added alcohol was sometimes seen as more damaging, and a greater evil.

Mr. Marshall said since 1990 Bascome had been doing what he loves best -- teaching soccer.

"He devotes much of his time to this job of teaching football. He devotes a great deal of time to the young of this Island, running clinics.

"Although not earning as much as many other people, he is doing what he loves best.

"He is well respected in the community, and does his utmost when he tries to assist.'' Mr. Marshall said Bascome had once been urged by Police to defuse a potential problem. He was asked to go to the hospital and speak to youths mourning over the death of a friend.

Mr. Francis said he would give as much weight as possible to Mr. Marshall's arguments.

"I don't think your lawyer could have said anything more on your behalf,'' he told Bascome.

But, imposing a fine, Mr. Francis said he could not change Bermuda's drug laws.

After a recent low-profile on the sporting scene, Bascome has resurfaced at North Village, taking on the job of technical advisor to the club's soccer programme.

He had unsuccessfully attempted to transfer to Village as a player last year.