A final year student at the University of the West Indies escaped a custodial sentence in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday after he pleaded guilty to drug charges.

The 23-year-old philosophy and history major was charged with possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export marijuana.

The court was told that on the day in question, the accused was preparing to board a flight to Barbados, when the weed, weighing 0.7kg (1.5lb) was found on his person.

A lawyer representing the accused told the court that the student was set to graduate in November and was well on his way to completing his studies. He said the boy's move was "foolish" and begged Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown to impose a non-custodial sentence. He at first asked the judge to request a social enquiry report, but this was refused.

School fees

He said the accused attempted to export the drug so he could help with his school fees and other expenses. He said he was going to Barbados to meet up with some Barbadian friends he met at school.

Before handing down the sentence, Senior Resident Magistrate Glen Brown told the accused that he was only sparing him from jail because of the quantity of the drug. He was sentenced to pay $2,000 or serve three months for possession, admonished and discharged for dealing in drugs and ordered to pay $10,000 or serve three months for taking steps to export the drug.