Judge says unemployed man is spending 'taxpayers' cash' on drugs

Deputy District Judge Mark Hamill was speaking at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday where a former heroin addict admitted being in possession of methadone and cannabis.

The offences were detected on April 8, 2025, according to the charge sheet.

A defence barrister said Robert Campbell, aged 48, of Wakehurst Court in Ballymena, has "battled drug misuse throughout his life" and is "no stranger to the courts".

He said the defendant is a single man on PIP and Universal Credit.

Judge Hamill asked: "So who pays for his drugs?"

When the barrister said: "He does, himself" the judge said: "No, no no, the answer to that is the taxpayer.

"Who pays for you to represent him?, the taxpayer; who pays for the prosecution?, the taxpayer; who pays for me to judge him? the taxpayer; who pays for his accommodation if he is sent to prison?, the taxpayer".

The judge said the defendant previously had suspended jail sentences and added: "the taxpayer had a narrow escape there".

A previous court was told Campbell is a former heroin addict.

The defence barrister said the defendant has another drug matter due to come before the court.

For the offences before Thursday's court the defendant was fined £150.