Judge warns Lisburn man to stay out of trouble as sentencing is deferred
A judge has deferred sentencing a Lisburn man who has been charged with possession of a Class C drug.
Darren Hamilton, 30, whose address was given as Graham Street Mews, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court charged with possession of pregabalin.
The court heard that on May 4, 2025 at 9.50pm police on patrol in Lisburn observed the defendant who appeared to be intoxicated.
It was stated that he couldn’t stand and it was suspected that he was under the influence of drugs. During a search, two packets of pregabalin were found on his person.
Due to his condition he was transported to hospital. He was later interviewed and made no comment to the questions put to him.
The court noted that the defendant had been released from custody in relation to others charges in October of this year.
Defence told the court: “He is well known to the court. He has had ups and downs with addiction to drugs.
"He indicated to Probation that he is trying to stay away from drugs and has spoken to his GP and is awaiting a referral to Community Addictions. He is now at a point in his life that he is motivated to change.”
During sentencing, District Judge Rosie Watters said: “He appears to be sober today but I would like to hear from Community Addictions. I like to think he can make a change and is not going to end up amongst the list of the missing."
Ms Watters deferred sentencing for six months until June 4, 2026.
She warned the defendant: “I expect you to stay out of trouble and no more drugs offences.”