A 31-year-old man was fined $1,500 for having 0.36 grams of cannabis in an increased penalty zone.

Maurice Smith, of Town Hill, Flatts, pleaded guilty to the crime when he appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The incident took place at Hamilton Workman's Club on August 15, 2003.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke told the court: "At 8.55 p.m. Police found plant like material in a coin purse in Smith's pocket."

Smith apologised to the court for his actions.

Acting Senior Magistrate Carlisle Greaves fined Smith $500 for cannabis possession and $1,000 for possession in an increased penalty zone.