by P.J. Harston
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan 22/97) - A man with more than 50 convictions to his name got a break from territorial court Judge Michel Bourassa last week.

Jean Claude Laundry pleaded guilty to possession of seven grams of marijuana, his fifth narcotics-related conviction since 1978, and received a $500 fine.

Laundry, who represented himself in court, told Bourassa that his life has changed since 1987, which is reflected on his criminal record, and he has been trying to stay out of trouble.

He apologized to the court and said he understood why he was in trouble.

Laundry asked only for a suspended sentence or an opportunity to serve time during the week so he could keep his weekend job.

Crown lawyer Sandra Aitken suggested Laundry serve up to 30 days, although she said she would agree to an intermittent sentence to be served during the week.

Bourassa gave few reasons for levying the fine, which Laundry has been given three months to pay.

He said that he noticed Laundry's life had changed, the amount of drugs seized was relatively small, and the man had co-operated fully with RCMP.

Mounties arrested Laundry in the Centre Square Mall Oct. 4, after receiving a confidential tip that he was carrying marijuana, court heard.

The pot, with and estimated street value of about $240, was in Laundry's backpack, which he produced for them upon arrest.