A prisoner had 18 months added to his sentence for possession of cannabis while serving at Westgate.

Standing before Magistrates' Court yesterday, Jason Wheatley, 28, pleaded guilty to having a small amount of cannabis, 0.17 grams, in his prison cell.

The court heard that police received a complaint that Wheatley had drugs in his cell on the morning of July 24.

Police subsequently searched his cell at 7.50 a.m. where they found a small white paper twist containing the drug.

Wheatley, who is currently serving a 14-year prison term had 6 months added to his sentence for possession of the drugs and 12 months added for possession in an increased penalty zone, namely Westgate Prison.

Wheatley, of Pembroke, has already served approximately 20 months of a 14-year prison sentence which he received after pleading guilty to seven counts of drugs and firearms possession last year.

Police raided Wheatley's Hamilton Parish home in August 2008 where they found over $200,000 worth of cannabis, drug equipment, two revolver pistols, ammunition for the guns and $15,150 in cash.

Cannabis was found in the bedroom, on the kitchen counter and in the microwave it weighed 11,400 grams.

The Hamilton Parish home, where the items were found and where Wheatley was living, was registered in his ex-girlfriend's name.

Appearing in Magistrates' Court yesterday, Wheatley appealed to Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner for leniency.

"I am asking for some mercy," Wheatley said. "It is hard for me right now, I have experienced depression because of my long sentence.

"I am trying to get my life on track, I am just about to get my GED and I am trying to change.

"I admit that I made a mistake."

Magistrate Warner did not grant Wheatley any clemency.

"I agree that 14 years is hard," said Mr. Warner.

"But you were given that sentence for a serious drugs offence.

"You have been involved in using drugs in prison. I don't care if it for recreational use or not.

"For me not to pass a meaningful sentence will encourage others to misbehave."