newborn baby was sentenced to 12 months in jail when he appeared in Magistrates' Court this week.

Jamaican Michael Joseph Bailey, 26, was hiding 209 grams of marijuana in a package stuck in the waistband of his pants when he entered Bermuda from a cruise ship on October 20.

Bailey, who was not represented by a lawyer, pleaded guilty to importing cannabis and possession of cannabis intended for supply.

A search of Bailey at Customs turned up the marijuana, with an estimated street value of $10,935, Police prosecutor Sgt. Earl Kirby told the court.

Sgt. Kirby said Bailey was apprehended by Customs officers shortly after clearing their inspection at about 11 p.m. on October 20.

Bailey told Police he was carrying the cannabis package for a man in New York named Jerry. His instructions were to drop it into a trash bin near the cruise ship terminal. On completion of the trip, he was to be paid $1,000.

Bailey apologised to the court and asked for forgiveness. He said his wife had just given birth.

"I was trying to make some money,'' he said.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said he gave Bailey credit for pleading guilty, but could not condone the method he chose to raise money.

"It's too bad, Mr. Bailey, that you've tried to make some money to help your wife and your child in this manner,'' the Senior Magistrate said.

"Too bad, because in Bermuda, in Jamaica and everywhere else, this is a serious offence.'' Mr. Francis sentenced Bailey to 12 months on each charge, to be served concurrently.

Time is to be deducted from Bailey's sentence. He has been in prison awaiting trial since October 21.