Two men learned to say they were sorry after they were fined $1,000 for cannabis possession, on Friday in Magistrates? Court.

Earl Furbert, 21, of Harrington Sound Road, Smith?s Parish pleaded guilty to possessing 0.54 grams of cannabis.

Crown counsel Graveney Bannistersaid Police found the cannabis under Mr. Furbert?s bike seat parked outside of St. Monica?s Road, Pembroke on October 21, 2004.

When asked if he had anything to say before sentencing, Mr. Furbert said: ?I?m sorry that the whole thing ever happened, that I was searched and that they found the cannabis.

?I didn?t even know it was there. I want to get on with my life.?

Magistrate Edward King asked him: ?What are you sorry about, that the Police found it??

A confused Mr. Furbert replied, ?Yes, no ... no comment, your honour.?

With some prompting from onlookers in the court room, Mr. Furbert quickly added: ?I?m sorry that I had it in my possession.?

Magistrate King fined Mr. Furbert $1,000.

When a another man, Jahmal Samuels, 27 of Factory Road, Pembroke, pleaded guilty to a similar offence of possessing two home-made cigarettes made of 2.97 grams of cannabis, he was also asked if he had anything to say.

Clearly having learned from Mr. Furbert, Mr. Samuels said: ?No, I have nothing to say, except that I am sorry for having a controlled drug in my possession.?

Mr. Samuels had no previous convictions and was also fined $1,000.