An aspiring politician and marijuana activist found himself among those accused of three new criminal matters in Supreme Court's monthly arraignments session yesterday.

Gershwyn Canway Smith, 51, pleaded not guilty to three drug-related charges - possession of cannabis with intent to supply, cultivation of cannabis plants and possession of drug equipment.

According to the charges Smith was found in possession of cannabis on January 19 of this year. It is alleged he was growing the drug between August 2000 and that date and drug equipment found in his possession in January included shovels, clippers, scissors, cups and fluorescent lights for use growing the plant.

Smith - who has unsuccessfully stood for Parliament in Bermuda on five occasions as an Independent candidate - is represented by attorney Victoria Pearman.

Most recently, Smith competed in the Smith's South by-election which sent UBP MP Maxwell Burgess back to the House.

He received 38 votes in the June election. Included among his platform issues has been the legalisation of marijuana.

Smith is to re-appear for mention on November 1.

In another new matter heard by Chief Justice Austin Ward yesterday, four teenage boys pleaded not guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent on David Sousa. A warrant was also issued for the arrest of Edmund James Lightbourne, 17, of Berkeley Road, Pembroke when he failed to appear in court.

He is accused alongside Urian Keon Dickerson, 17, of Bay's Lane, Sandys, Akil Iabrile Jones, 19, of Cambridge Road, Sandys and Dajoine MacDonald Smith, 17, also of Cambridge Road.

The attack on Mr. Sousa occurred in February.

The three teens who appeared in court had their bail terms extended and are to re-appear for mention in Supreme Court on November 1.

Ending the new matters for October, Andrew James Smith pleaded not guilty to two drug charges.

Smith is charged with importation of marijuana on July 17 of this year and possession of marijuana with intent to supply on July 19.