A 25-year-old cruise ship passenger was today handed a suspended prison sentence for possessing 3.73 grams of cannabis.

Ioas Durham, from Boston, was sentenced to one month in prison, suspended for six months, for the offence that happened in Sandys on Tuesday.

Magistrates’ Court heard that Durham was searched by customs officers when he left the Anthem of the Seas around noon and plant material was found in his backpack.

Durham also dropped an item down the back of his shorts. It fell on the ground and he stepped on it. His cabin was also searched and more plant material was seized.

Plant material was later recovered from the search area and Durham told police officers that it was probably his.

In court today, Durham explained that he has a Massachusetts medical marijuana card for a variety of health problems.

He added that he was not aware that cannabis was illegal in Bermuda and that he was “extremely embarrassed and apologetic”.

Durham also told the court that he spent the night in the emergency shelter at the Salvation Army and a Go Fund Me account was set up for him so he could afford a ticket home.

Senior magistrate Juan Wolffe handed him the suspended sentence and warned him not to commit any further offences in Bermuda in the next six months.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding court cases. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.