An investigation has been launched after charges against an intern at a law firm were changed before they reached Magistrates' Court. Former national football squad member Jahquille Stowe pleaded guilty in July to possession of cannabis.

That charge was questioned by Crown counsel Cindy Clarke when he returned to court for sentencing on Tuesday.

She told Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner: "Somewhere between charge approval [in the Department of Public Prosecutions] and it coming before your office it has changed. I am stuck with the charge before you. It's under investigation."

It was not revealed what the originally approved charge was.

Stowe, an 18-year-old intern at Attride Stirling and Woloniecki, was found by Police with 25 twists of cannabis last December 5. Magistrates' Court heard in July that he was the subject of a stop-and-search in Union Street. Police discovered a total of 15.45 grams of cannabis in 25 plastic twists in the waistband of his pants, along with $375 in cash. He pleaded guilty to cannabis possession, telling the court that he was an addict.

On Tuesday, lawyer Shade Subair said her client had been abusing cannabis since he was 14 years old, but had realised the error of his ways. "He has been mentoring his other schoolmates about the dangers of cannabis abuse," she said. "He has been very honest that he has a cannabis problem. He is now before the court with humility, and is asking for mercy."

Stowe has been involved in Raleigh International and had intended to study in Canada before his arrest. Asked why he had 25 twists, Ms Subair said it was just how he had bought it.

"Cannabis is not a legal drug," she told Mr. Warner. "You can't just say I want it one way or another. You get it how it is available."

Surrounded by family and supporters, Stowe told the court: "I made an action that I concede is wrong. I was ignorant. I've lost a lot of confidence in myself. I can't walk around with my head held high."

Mr. Warner sentenced Stowe to three months' imprisonment, but suspended the sentence for three months.