The downfall of disgraced Cup Match hero Gregg Foggo was completed yesterday morning when he was sentenced to two years in jail for importing more than $30,000 worth of cannabis into Bermuda.

The shamed St George's star made an emotional plea to Senior Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo at his court hearing, telling him: "I didn't set out to hurt anyone or to disrespect my community."

He broke down in tears, along with many friends and family members who packed the courtroom, as he was told that he would be jailed.

Magistrates' Court had previously heard how Foggo, 34, of Old Maid's Lane, St. George's, was arrested on the night of May 26 at Bermuda International Airport having returned from Philadelphia on US Airways flight 386.

He was discovered to have two packages together containing just over 640 grams of cannabis, with an approximate street value of $32,150.

He pleaded guilty at a court appearance earlier this year, and was stripped of his captaincy by the cricket club as a result of the offence. He sat in the courtroom yesterday with his head bowed as Crown counsel Wayne Caines told the court that although pre-sentence reports stated that Foggo is addicted to marijuana, this was not enough of a reason for him to be spared jail.

Mr. Caines said that there was no independent evidence of the addiction, apart from Foggo's own word, and added that he had not attended any Narcotics Anonymous meetings since September 21.

He told the court that Foggo was described in the reports as being devoted to his community and family. But he also pointed out that his explanation of why he decided to bring in drugs from the US was: "The marijuana (from the US) was cheaper and of better quality".

And he added: "He had $30,000 of marijuana, placed it down his trousers, and got on a plane. He took a calculated risk, knowing what he was doing."

Victoria Pearman, for the defence, told the court that her client was actually the victim of what she described as "a tragic set of circumstances".

She said that Foggo had not supplied cannabis to others, and had bought the drugs for personal use.

She called two witnesses, Cheryl Packwood and Liam McKittrick, whose children have been coached in soccer by Foggo through a programme at the St. George's Cricket Club.

They spoke of an excellent coach, who was devoted to the children at the club and is known to them as "Uncle Gregg".

Ms Pearman also urged the magistrate not to make an example of Foggo simply because of his fame. "Sometimes where a person has something of a celebrity status that can be as hurtful as it is helpful. Notwithstanding all the publicity and stories about this case, Foggo should be treated as any other person that comes before the court is. He shouldn't be punished because of who he is or made an example of because of who he is," she said.

She went on: "There has been a considerable amount of shame and embarrassment resulting from this case, not just for himself but for his loved ones and family and establishments that he is affiliated with."

A highly emotional Foggo also spoke up for himself at the hearing, telling the court: "I wish to apologise to my mother and my entire family and cricket club family, my team and the Bermuda community." He explained that his addiction had been controlling him at the time of the offence, explaining: "The fact that I could risk everything, especially the welfare of my two beautiful children who I love with all my heart says it all."

And he added: "I'm so very sorry because there are many young boys and girls who look up to me."

Mr. Tokunbo told Foggo he was pleased that he recognised the consequences of his actions.

"This should be a lesson to sporting figures that they cannot shield behind their celebrity to do these things, as they will be caught out," he warned. Besides handing Foggo a two-year custodial sentence, Mr. Tokunbo also ordered that he should spend a further 18 months on probation after this, during which he must submit to random drug testing and participate in treatment for his addiction.