Young Cookstown man handed 40 hours community service for possessing cocaine
A young Cookstown man was warned by the District Judge at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Friday that he is “approaching the plateau” where he starts to consider a prison sentence.
The court heard the 24-year-old was spotted by police “trying to hide something in his trousers” at Monkey Lane, Cookstown, on April 19.
Lee Glasgow, of Liscoole Road, admitted unlawfully possessing a quantity of cocaine.
Prosecuting counsel said at approximately 1.40am police observed the defendant, who then walked away before handing a bag of white powder to officers.
The lawyer said he made a full admission to police and told them that the white powder was cocaine and he had paid £40 for it.
District Judge Francis Rafferty remarked that this was his “second time” before the court for possessing a Class A drug.
A defence lawyer said Glasgow had been “very cooperative” and made a full admission to the police, which he hoped the court will take into account.
He added that the defendant came from a respectable family and attended court with his mother.
The solicitor added the fact that this is his second offence would be “a cause for concern”.
Judge Rafferty told the defendant that this was his second time in court for this type of offence and he is “approaching the plateau” where he starts to consider a prison sentence.
The judge also stressed that both offences had happened within a short period of each other.
He imposed a community service order for 40 hours, and made an order for the destruction of the cocaine.