Back from Spain to face heroin charge

Helder Rocha, whose address was given to the court as Toberhewney Lane Lower, Lurgan, admitted unlawful possession of the drug on June 21, 2005. He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance or a licence on January 27, 2005.

On June 21 the defendant’s home was searched and six wraps of suspected heroin were found in the garage. He admitted he had purchased them for his own use. On June 27 he was stopped on the M1 and it transpired he was driving without insurance or a licence.

A barrister for Rocha said that he had gone to live in Spain and on returning to Northern Ireland he knew that there were outstanding warrants. At the time of the heroin find, Rocha had an issue with drugs.

For the insurance offence he was fined £250 and for not having a licence he was fined £100.

On each charge he was banned from driving for three months. Sentencing in the drugs case was adjourned until 
October 8 so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.