A Coalisland man found with five zip bags of cannabis, was fined £175 with a £15 offender's levy at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Philip Patrick Ward, aged 25, from Pinebank Gardens, was convicted of possessing herbal cannabis on September 9 last year.

Ward was found not guilty of possessing cannabis infused confectionary on the same date.

A police officer gave evidence of finding five zip bags containing herbal cannabis in a hatch in the dashboard on the driver's side of a van he stopped.

Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google Maps

placeholder image — Bishop Street Courthouse where Magherafelt Magistrates Court is held | Google Maps

He said the defendant was sitting in the driving seat but denied ownership of the cannabis.

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The officer said cannabis infused with confectionary was also located in the rear of the vehicle.

A defence lawyer said Ward did not wish to give evidence.

He explained there were three people in front of the van and contended it had not been proven by the prosecution that the herbal cannabis belonged to the defendant.