Devrae Noel-Simmons admits he turned to cocaine while living the life of a "rock star" before ending up before the courts as a drug offender.

The United Bermuda Party's by-election candidate for Warwick South Central now says he's turned his life around and wants to encourage others to do the same as Bermuda gets to grips with its social problems.

Recalling the circumstances leading up to his arrest on New Year's Eve 2008, Mr. Noel-Simmons told The Royal Gazette: "I was in a bad place. I was going through a very depressive state and unfortunately alcohol wasn't my choice. "It was short-lived. It was a period where I wasn't with anyone. I had no real support in what I was doing. It was unfortunately one of those decisions that can cost you, and it can cost you your freedom."

Initially arrested for possession with intent to supply cocaine, Mr. Noel-Simmons was eventually given an 18-month suspended sentence for possession. He wouldn't say how much cocaine was in his possession when he was arrested in what is said to be a Police operation while he worked as a security guard at the Robin Hood Pub.

Mr. Noel-Simmons, 42, is a well-known fitness trainer and played semi-professional American football for Oregon Thunderbolts; he now runs DPA Security with his wife Susie.

Asked how he got into cocaine, he said: "At certain times, you think you are a rock star and people start treating you like one. In the end, they are just as miserable so they try to bring the misery to you.

"It's a trap easy to fall in, going out there with the single life."

He said wife Susie saved his life with a heart-to-heart after his arrest.

"I just said I'm better than this," he said. "I have done things in Bermuda that people haven't done. I was a pro-athlete, I travelled around the world. It's not necessary.

"You do have choices. There are better ways of dealing with these choices. When I was bodybuilding, I didn't even drink."

Mr. Noel-Simmons said late former UBP candidate Keith Young inspired him to get into politics around a decade ago.

"Like many people, I had lots of ideas and opinions, but never had an interest in actively serving in politics," he said at a press conference announcing his candidacy for former Premier Ewart Brown's seat in a by-election on December 15.

"I was more interested at the time of experiencing life in different countries and cultures. However this attitude was dramatically reversed when I was first introduced to politics in 1999 by a young, energetic and inspirational Bermudian by the name of Keith Young, whose sheer commitment to his community inspired me to look closer at my own sense of worth as a Bermudian, and what I could do to help my fellow citizens."

He said the UBP comprises people from all walks of life who are committed to making Bermuda a better place for all Bermudians.

Public safety has been the number one concern while canvassing in Constituency 26, according to Mr. Noel-Simmons.

"I understand the issues around escalating crime and social misbehaviour from both sides of the equation," he said.

"I have worked as a security and event supervisor both overseas and in Bermuda for over 18 years and have noticed a steady increase in violence not only in the bar and nightclub scene, but around the Island in general.

"I have noted that the criminals appear to be getting younger and exhibit a 'no fear' attitude and lack of respect for authority, family and community."