A British man who was held at Sangster International Airport in Montrgo Bay with 11 pounds of cocaine has been mandated to receive drug rehabilitation and counselling during his 10-month prison sentence.

Luke Bradly, a 37-year-old construction director of Birmingham, England, was one of several Britons arrested and charged in recent weeks in connection with attempting to smuggle cocaine from Jamaica.

He had pleaded guilty to possession, dealing, and attempting to export cocaine.

Presiding Judge Sasha-Marie Smith-Ashley made the ruling on Friday in response to attorney Shelly-Ann Hyman’s argument that Bradly became addicted to drugs following the deaths of his father and son.

“He had indicated that the deaths of his father and son had had a negative impact on him, and he admitted to being an addict… He also indicated that he went on the downward spiral and found himself in debt… We are asking for leniency and understanding because it is difficult to deal with turmoil sometimes if there is no assistance and the assistance that is readily available is not always what is in our best interest. It is unfortunate that this downward spiral would have led him here,” said Hyman.

In response, Judge Smith-Ashley expressed sympathy for Bradly’s losses.

“It is sad that you are in this situation, and I imagine the loss of a loved one is a pain that never leaves us… But as challenging as the circumstances may be you have to face the music, and it is unfortunate that you did not seek another kind of help,” said Smith-Ashley.

The judge also stated that there are mitigating elements in his favour, including his age, and that his early guilty plea before the file was completed demonstrates his immediate remorse and readiness to take responsibility for his actions.

In addition to the mandatory 10-month prison term Bradly was also fined $500,000 or six months in prison for possession of cocaine, and $1 million or six months for attempting to export the drug, with the terms of imprisonment running consecutively if the fines are not paid. He was admonished and discharged for dealing cocaine.

“I am going to put a recommendation that while you are incarcerated you are to receive drug rehabilitation and counselling,” Smith-Ashley said before Bradly was removed from the prisoners’ dock.

On May 6 Bradly reportedly checked in at the airport to board a flight to Birmingham, England. During a routine security screening his luggage was searched and 11 pounds of a white substance resembling cocaine was found.