problems by Magistrate the Wor. Cheryl Ann Mapp on Friday.

Larry Eugene Burgess, of North Church Lane, Hamilton Parish, came under fire from Mrs. Mapp after pleading guilty to possessing 0.37 grams of cannabis.

Police, checking Lindo's Supermarket in Devonshire, discovered Burgess sitting in his car at the rear, at around 1 a.m. on June 20.

Prosecuting, Sgt. Peter Giles said that Burgess was nervous and sweating which caused the officers to be suspicious. They searched him and found the cannabis in an envelope. On being questioned Burgess said: "It's just weed.'' Burgess, who had a similar conviction in 1982, told Mrs. Mapp that he had given up drugs as a result of his arrest.

But the magistrate said: "It has taken you about 10 years to give up. You are keeping the suppliers in business. They have to have someone to supply.

"If they had no-one to supply they would go out of business and the Island would be much better. Are you one of the people that think marijuana should be legalised?'' Burgess replied: "Before this happened that is what I thought. Now my mind has changed.'' Mrs. Mapp said: "Small things can lead to bigger things. Marijuana normally leads to more deadly drugs like cocaine and heroine. It is your life, but if you have turned around I am very happy for you.'' Burgess was fined $150.