by Chris Meyers Almey
Northern News Services

NNSL (Apr 25/97) - A young man who admits "it was a pretty stupid choice" to carry cocaine last November worth almost $60,000 from Hay River to Yellowknife has 16 months in jail for his role in the crime.

Justice John Vertes said in NWT Supreme Court on Friday that Emric Justin Hudson "comes from a good background" and "was a person acting out of character."

"It was a stupid moment that will affect his life for the foreseeable future."

Hudson, 20, of Hay River, pleaded guilty to possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking.

Crown prosecutor Brad Allison said Hudson was to be paid between $400 to $700 for carrying the coke but never got the money.

Defence lawyer Clark Rehn said Hudson testified twice against a partner in the scheme at "significant risk to him for testifying."

During the sentencing, Justice Vertes said that since Hudson testified against a co-accused, this "will cause some considerable pressure and stress to him."

The partner, Tai Tuan Lam, 20, of Yellowknife, was sentenced to five years in jail on March 21 after being found guilty by a jury of dealing cocaine. Lam denied involvement.

The coke involved in this case was 81 per cent pure and probably worth about $23,500, but cut and sold in small packets on the street it would bring close to $60,000.