Lurgan man pleads guilty to drug possession after PSNI searched a house in Craigavon, court hears
A Co Armagh man has pleaded guilty to possessing Class C drugs after police searched a house in Craigavon.
Nathan Kearney, aged 31, from Tarry Drive, Lurgan appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court.
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He is charged with possessing the Class C drug pregabalin on December 16 last year.
The court heard that on that date, police searched a property at Drumbeg, Craigavon by virtue of two warrants. The objective of the search was to look for controlled drugs and related paraphernalia.
During the search police found 19 300mg capsules of pregabalin. The defendant was present at the address and told police the drugs were his.
In interview he admitted to owning the pregabalin and knew it was a Class C controlled drug. He said it was for personal use and he got it from a friend.
Kearney’s solicitor, Mr Pat Vernon, said the searches took place at a friend’s house and the defendant wasn’t the subject of the search,adding: “He just happened to be there at the time.”
Mr Vernon pointed out that as soon as police arrived Kearney voluntarily handed over the drugs which were in a cupboard and cooperated fully with police.
The solicitor admitted the defendant has a record but there has been no offending since his last court date in December last year.
Deputy District Judge John Rea said it was to the defendant’s credit that he pleaded guilty.
He told Kearney: “But you do have a previous record for offending. I think there is merit in what Mr Vernon says and I will deal with this by way of a fine.”
Kearney was fined £250 plus the £15 offender levy.