A farmer who pleaded guilty to trying to export 3lb (1.36kg) of marijuana told the court that he was forced to do it because of the drought that had ravaged the island for the better part of the year.

Phillip Hayes was charged with possession of, dealing in and taking steps to export marijuana.

The allegations are that on the day in question, Hayes was preparing to leave the island when his luggage was searched and was found to contain compressed ganja. He was subsequently arrested and charged.

When he appeared in court, he told Resident Magistrate Judith Pusey that he had never been in trouble before. He said he was a farmer and had suffered a lot because of the drought. He explained that he was just trying something.

Hayes, however, did not receive much of the leniency he asked for. He was sentenced to $4,800 or six months for possession, $9,600 or six months for dealing and $14,400 for taking steps to export the drug. In addition, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail.