Toomebridge man who was 'going through a difficult time' fined £150 for possessing cocaine
A 27-year-old Toomebridge man was fined £150 with a £15 offender's levy at Magherafelt Magistrates Court on Wednesday on a drugs charge.
Ryan Toal, from Roguery Road, admitted a charge of possessing a quantity of cocaine on June 15 last year.
District Judge Alan White dismissed a charge of stalking relating to an incident on June 14 last.
A defence lawyer said the cocaine was for the defendant's own personal use, as he was going through a difficult time.
The lawyer pointed out that a withdrawal statement had been made in relation to the stalking charge.
She said this was because the complainant realised Toal was experiencing a high degree of stress at the time.
Imposing the fine, District Judge White told the defendant he had no previous drug offences.
He said he also took into account that he was attempting to turn his life around. The judge also made a destruction order for the cocaine.