District judge tells Maghera man to continue to address his drug issues
A 29-year-old Maghera man has been given a four-month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on drug charges.
Stephen Johnston, whose address was listed as Tullykeeran Gardens in the town, was sentenced in respect of possessing drugs including cannabis, buprenorphine, and pregabalin on March 30, 2024, and January 31 last year.
Prosecuting counsel told the court that sentencing had been deferred in July of last year.
District Judge Conor Heaney said it was clear from the pre-sentence report that Johnston had made efforts at least to address addiction issues.
He told the defendant it was good he was determined to come to terms with his life and to keep up with work with the Probation Service.
Imposing the suspended jail term, Judge Heaney said it was now in Johnston's own hands to continue to address his drug issues.
He also made a order for the destruction of the drugs.