A man who confessed on the witness stand to possessing over $500,000 of heroin last night started a 13-year prison sentence.

The 11 woman, one man Supreme Court jury found Anthony Eugene Seymour, 39, of North Court Avenue, Pembroke, guilty of possession with the intent to supply. Jurors took only 45 minutes to reach a unanimous verdict.

Before sentencing, Seymour apologised for what he did and added: ?I believe that drugs hang a dark cloud over Bermuda and should be stomped out. I take full responsibility for my actions and I?d like to apologise to my family and the people of Bermuda. It will never happen again.?

After the sentencing, Seymour was led quietly from the court surrounded by his family and friends.

During his summing up, Assistant Justice Archibald Warner told jurors the only point they needed to consider was the question of whether there was an intent to supply or not, as Seymour had admitted on the witness stand possessing the controlled substance.

Mr. Justice Warner reminded them of the evidence that had come out during the trial and added: ?Detective Sergeant Hayden Small said the drugs were of good quality and in his experience 112.8 grams of heroin would not be for his personal use ? it would be for supply.

?Based on that evidence are you sure that it was not for supply??

Mr. Justice Warner said Seymour had said on the witness stand during cross examination that he had planned to take the drugs ? which were worth $518,180 in Bermuda ? to Florida to generate some money or sell them.

The judge added that jurors had also heard evidence from Det. Sgt. Damon Hollis, who said he and Det. Con. Denise Downey were present when Dr. Wolfgang Spangenberger twice operated on Seymour to remove the pellets in March 2002.

Crown counsel Cindy Clarke cited four similar cases and suggested a range of sentences between 13 to 16 years.

Lawyer Craig Attridge asked the court for a reduced sentence, as Seymour made an admission on the stand, but Mr. Justice Warner said: ?It was not the same as pleading guilty.?