for ten years yesterday.

Hubert Nathaneston Spence brought the $315,000 stash to the Island from New York City, where he had been living.

He hid it in his groin and got it past Customs, but narcotics Police raided his home after a tip-off, Supreme Court heard yesterday.

Spence, with three adult children, had not been in trouble for 38 years. Crown Counsel Mr. Stephen Harrison, prosecuting, said plainclothes Police went to Spence's home in Verdmont Valley Close, Smiths, on November 6 last year.

He led the officers to a closet, and a bulky package of white powder on a top shelf. Asked what it was, he told them: "Cocaine, I guess.'' The haul, weighing 996 grammes, was more than 80 percent pure. His lawyer, Ms Pat Harvey, asked Puisne Judge the Hon. Mr. Justice Ward to order a social inquiry report. But the judge refused, saying a report was not appropriate given Spence's age.

By 57, said Mr. Ward, "one has learned to make choices''.

Ms Harvey said Spence had been under "severe financial stress''.

"Much to his regret he yielded to temptation in a weak moment.'' She asked the judge to bear in mind her client's age.

"Mr. Spence has expressed the sorrow that he feels, having brought this shame and embarrassment on his family,'' she said. "When he gets out of prison, which hopefully he will, it's something that is going to mar the rest of his life. That is going to be a serious punishment for someone of his age.'' He was throwing himself on the mercy of the court, she said.

Spence admitted bringing in the drug on an October 15 flight. He told Mr.

Justice Ward: "I'm sorry.''