Lisburn judge warns man found in possession of drugs that if he reoffends it will be 'a disaster' for him
A man has been given a suspended prison sentence after pleading guilty to drug offences and warned by a judge that if he reoffends it will be a “disaster” for him.
Caolan Paul Johnston, 23, whose address was given as Brians Well Grove in Dunmurry, appeared before Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday, February 19, charged with possession of a Class C drug, namely cannabis.
He was further charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply, namely cocaine.
The facts of the case were not opened in court. However it is understood the charges date back to December 30, 2022.
The defendant appeared in court after the case was previously deferred for six months for sentencing.
The court was told there had been no further offending by the defendant during the previous six month period whilst the case was deferred.
A defence lawyer said: “It is a reasonably positive report from Probation. We can hope in the period of time that has passed, he has mended his ways.”
On the charge of intent to supply, District Judge Rosie Watters imposed a custodial sentence of five months, which she suspended for 18 months.
On the charge of possession, Ms Watters imposed a custodial sentence of two months, suspended for 18 months.
During sentencing Ms Watters told the defendant: “I assume your children and employment mean so much to you that you won’t reoffend, otherwise it will be a disaster for you.”
Ms Watters also issued an order for the destruction of the drugs.