STUDENT DISCHARGED

A 19-year-old Dunedin student has escaped conviction on two cannabis
charges after copying out one chapter of an anti-drugs book.

When Peter Allan Tuffery appeared in the Dunedin District Court last
month and admitted possessing cannabis and a cannabis-smoking pipe, he
was offered the chance of a discharge without conviction.

Judge David Saunders suggested he read "The Great Brain Robbery" by
Tom Scott and Trevor Grice, and copy out a chapter on marijuana.
Tuffery was also directed to carry out 30 hours' voluntary community
work.

He appeared in court again yesterday with proof he had completed his
community work and the reading and writing assignment.

"I hope it's been a learning experience and that you'll keep yourself
clear of drugs from now on," Judge Saunders told Tuffery, discharging
him without conviction.