FORMER CRACK ADDICT CREDITED FOR '50 YEARS OF GOOD BEHAVIOUR'

A Superior court judge granted a former crack addict who became
hooked at the age of 50 a conditional discharge yesterday based on
the fact he had made significant progress in his rehabilitation since
his arrest.

Justice Robert Maranger credited 53-year-old Robert Piamonte's
lawyer, Michael Crystal, with helping him kick the habit that
controlled his life for three years.

A business and family man until he turned 50, Robert Piamonte became
depressed after his father died in 2002 and turned to drugs, Mr. Crystal said.

The judge said Mr. Piamonte deserved credit for being a good citizen
for much of his life: "Sometimes people have to get credit for 50
years of good behaviour."

Mr. Piamonte pleaded guilty to 12 charges including extortion,
possession for purpose of trafficking cocaine, marijuana and
morphine, possession of counterfeit money, and forcible confinement.

He received a two-and-a-half year conditional sentence, three years
of probation and a 10-year weapons prohibition.