Australian man Giuseppe Serafino apologises to Indonesian court for drug use

An Australian man allegedly caught with 7 grams of hashish in Bali has apologised to an Indonesian court, saying he did not realise that those caught with the drug were treated so severely.

"I did not realise it was such a big criminal offence," said Giuseppe Serafino, 48, who says he used cannabis to treat back pain.

"I'm sorry."

Indonesia has severe penalties for those caught with any drugs.

Serafino has been in Bali's Kerobokan prison since he was arrested last October. He manages a bar in Bali's Sanur district.

He says he buys hash regularly from a dealer he meets in the carpark of McDonald's in Sanur.

Serafino, who is originally from Western Australia, says he buys small quantities of hashish every three to six weeks.

He told the court that he did not see the dealer's face as he was wearing a motorcycle helmet.

He told the court in Denpasar that he was introduced to his dealer by his friend, former Reuters correspondent David Fox.

Fox is also on trial after he was caught in the same drugs operation as Serafino.

Both men could be convicted of supplying the drug, although they have told the court the hash was only for their personal use.

Serafino said his back pain has worsened since he has been in prison and stopped using hash, although his lawyer has been bringing him painkillers.

Asked by one of the judges if he would promise to stop using drugs, Mr Serafino replied, "promise".