British hairdresser Lauren Davies has received a six-month prison sentence for importing more than $60,000 worth of cannabis resin.

The sentence was cut in half from one year in consideration of Davies’ assistance to police after she gave the names of those who allegedly “put her up” to importing more than a pound of cannabis resin in November last year.

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner sided with 24-year-old Davies’ lawyer, Marc Daniels, after he argued a 50 percent discount on a one-year sentence would be sufficient considering Davies’ immediate admission of guilt, assistance to police and personal circumstances.

However, prosecutor Takiyah Burgess argued that a 30 percent discount on the sentence was more appropriate as Davies’ only “filled in the gaps” for police and did not provide new information for their investigation.

Also working in Davies’ favour, said Mr Warner, was a recent shift in the view Bermuda’s courts were taking towards drug-related sentencing.

“With all the social changes, and notwithstanding the proper penalties imposed before to discourage importation . . . the penalty in this court, and the attitude of the Supreme Court, seems to be softening on sentencing for drugs,” said Mr Warner.

The sentence takes into account Davies’ time in custody since she admitted the charges on January 8 and should be released some time on July, though Mr Daniels argued she would not be staying in Bermuda and would not return to the Island.

Addressing Magistrates’ Court this morning, a stoic Davies apologised to the court, police and her family and friends, whom she said had “been through hell and back.”

The former Strands hairdresser was arrested on November 8 at the Cahow Way roundabout by the airport, heading towards St George’s after arriving on a British Airways flight.

Ms Burgess said Davies passed Immigration, picked up a single black duffel bag from baggage claim and declared nothing, exiting the terminal and getting into a private car.

After being taken to a police station, Davies was asked if the bag was hers by a drug officer and she said “yes”.

Ms Burgess said the officer asked where the drugs were and Davies showed him 608.81g of cannabis resin with a street value of $60,850, inside the lining of a black Staples binder.