Moneymore man told police he had cannabis to help with health issue, court told
A 51-year-old man was fined £125 with a £15 offender’s levy at Magherafelt Magistrates Court for unlawfully possessing cannabis.
Prosecuting counsel said the offence came to light when police conducted a search of an address on February 9 last under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Douglas McClenaghan, of Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, admitted having the drug in his possession.
The lawyer said police made contact with the defendant at the address and he assisted them in the search during which 11 grams of cannabis and 19 grams of cannabis resin were seized.
Counsel said McClenaghan was cautioned and he accepted that the cannabis was his and it helped him with a health issue and he had no prescription.
A defence lawyer asked the court to give the defendant credit for his cooperation with police.
Imposing the fine, District Judge Conor Heaney remarked the defendant had a previous conviction for a similar matter in 2009.
He made an order for the destruction of the cannabis.