The public appears collectively outraged with the light sentence received by Nelson Bascome, Jr. after he pleaded guilty to importation of marijuana.

The son of former Health Minister Nelson Bascome, Sr. walked out of the courtroom on Tuesday after being sentenced to three years' probation for importing more than $11,000 worth of the drugs, despite tireless prosecution pleas for a prison sentence.

Assistant Justice Archibald Warner agreed with reports characterising Bascome as a marijuana "addict", and said: "The king's son is as entitled to justice as much as the peasant."

However, Bermudians were quite certain Bascome did not receive the justice he deserved when they spoke with The Royal Gazette yesterday.

"I think it's unfair," said Steven Roy. "Everyone else is getting caught, he should've. He should be serving some sort of sentence, community service at least."

"I find it embarrassing that someone can get away with something like that," said Nick Kyme. "Especially when it's that much money. And the judge, trying to justify it with his line about 'the king's son', is even worse. I think it's an outrage."

"He got off because of who his father is," said Trisha Sims. "And it doesn't matter whether he's white or black. It would've happened the same way, it was because of who he is.

"I think they should have a set fine or jail time depending on what you're bringing in," she said. "Everyone should get the same punishment, it doesn't matter who you are or what your background is. Every person who does the crime should do the time."

"I think it's disgusting," said one lady, who did not wish to be named. "If it was my son, or anybody else's son ... I think it's bloody ridiculous that he walks away scot-free."

"I think he should pay for what he's done," said Betty Nisbett. "People are saying locking him up won't do any good, but perhaps he does need to go and have drug treatment."

An angry Police officer rang The Royal Gazette to complain about the sentence.

The source said: "Three years' probation? For half a pound of weed? People are sent down for six months for that in magistrate's court for less than that.

"I have seen people jailed for a few grammes. He went to Supreme Court - you'd expect six to 12 months.

"Jesus Christ I am p**sed off with this. It's one rule for them and one rule for the rest of us."