Natal Mercury, Durban, 24 August 1973

Dagga: youth gets cuts

"PLEASE DON'T send my son to gaol," a Durban mother asked a magistrate yesterday when she gave evidence in mitigation of sentence during the trial of her 19-year-old son who was found guilty of being in possession of dagga.

James Hunt was charged with being in possession of six dagga cigarettes when he was arrested in Stamford Hill Road on Wednesday.

"I have been on the stuff for two years. I can't give it up," Hunt told Mr E.W. Hyland. He asked to be sent for "some sort of treatment."

Hunt's mother said he had always been a good boy at home. His father had died. "Please don't send him to gaol," she asked.

Mr Hyland told Hunt: "You had better arrange for some treatment. Go and see the sergeant. He will give you five cuts."