Drugs found on defendant

Emmett Byrne, who address was given to the court as Ardowen, Craigavon, admitted unlawful possession of cannabis on February 8 this year, unlawful possession of herbal cannabis and unlawful possession of diazepam.

The court heard that police went to a snooker hall in Drumgor concerning a missing person and Byrne was searched along with another male. Byrne was found in possession of the drugs.

A solicitor representing Byrne said he had a previous relevant conviction in the youth court.

She added that he had significant substance issues but since he had been released from custody he was in a more stable frame of mind.

The solicitor suggested he would benefit from some form of probation supervision.

Imposing the community service order District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, told Byrne that as an alternative to sending him to prison he was giving him a final opportunity to step away from all of this.