Popular local singer June Ventoz was put on probation for 18 months yesterday for the possession of drug equipment.

Ventoz, 34, was said by defence lawyer Mr. Richard Hector to have developed an addiction to heroin since coming under the influence of her estranged husband, a foreign national.

The lawyer, who described Ventoz as "an extremely intelligent and talented person who could very easily be an ambassador for Bermuda,'' further told the court that the singer has been seeking rehabilitative counselling since being charged with her crime, which occurred last year.

"She comes to you as a first offender,'' Mr. Hector told Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis. "I would ask the court to impose a sentence that will help her and allow us to monitor her progress.'' The judge, who said he was "aware'' of Ventoz' husband, complied with the lawyer's request, giving the singer a probationary sentence on the condition that she continue with her drug counselling and reside in her parent's Devonshire home for the duration.

"Probation with a condition is the way, I think, to deal with this,'' Mr.

Francis said. "But these conditions are firm. If you (Ventoz) are found to be living anywhere else, you will be be in violation of your probation.''