but could have received a stiffer penalty for being in an Increased penalty Zone.

Laurie McMillian Burrows, of Devon Springs Road, pleaded guilty and was fined $400 for possessing cocaine at the rear of the Devon Springs Recycling Plant at 9.25 p.m. on October 25.

Junior Crown Counsel Wayne Caines told Magistrate Edward King that, acting on "information received'', plainclothes Police went to that area between the recycling plant and St. Brendan's Hospital.

Burrows was seen making a "hand to hand transaction'' with another man who ran off.

Burrows was searched and when the officer pulled out a wrapped rock of suspected crack cocaine, he said: "What you want me to say, it's someone else's?'' Mr. Caines said the Government Analyst later found the powder was "freebase cocaine, colloquially known as crack'', weighing in at .31 grams of 84 percent purity.

Despite Burrows being within an Increased Penalty Zone the $1,000 fine that is usually given in such circumstances was not handed down.

"Because you were found on the doorstep of St. Brendan's a two year sentence and an extra $1,000 fine could be taken on,''' Mr. King explained.

"This defendant has shown no remorse for his actions,'' he added. "They saw you cutting a deal. You're lucky they didn't charge you with supply. Which could have got you a five year sentence or a $10,000.

"But for your erstwhile clean record I would have imposed a prison sentence,'' Mr. King added. "Laurie, I know you and you should know me, change your lifestyle. It's not worth it.''