Yellowknife (Oct 22/03) - A Yellowknife man with an extensive criminal record won't have to go to jail after being caught with $250 worth of cocaine.

Adrian Bilodeau pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance Tuesday in territorial court and was sentenced to time served after spending 75 days in pre-trial custody.

In a statement to the court, Bilodeau acknowledged his drug addiction was getting out of hand.

"I have to take control of my life. I've tried very hard to be a productive citizen, but it has been difficult. I'm trying to get my life back on track."

"Cocaine is a nasty drug with nasty consequences," said Judge Brian Bruser.

"When I look at this record, I wonder if (Bilodeau's life) was ever on track."

"It seems like he almost has a wish to be incarcerated."

According to Crown attorney Shelley Tkatch, police approached a car parked near the Dettah ice road crossing at around midnight on Aug.2.

They ordered the driver to open the door and a cloud of smoke, which officers said smelled like marijuana, wafted out of the car.

Police searched the vehicle and found 0.8 grams of cocaine, wrapped in 13 individual packages. The drugs had a street value of about $250. They also found a pipe used to smoke drugs.

Bilodeau was originally charged with drug trafficking, but that charge was dropped after he pleaded guilty to simple possession.

It was his third conviction for drugs. He had been out of jail for two months before being stopped by police.

"I'm 34 years old and not getting any younger," Bilodeau told the court. "I need to take responsibility for my life."

Bilodeau said he felt guilty that his mother, who lives in B.C., was forced to care for his 13-year-old daughter.