Drugs passed during a prison visit

John Joseph Mulholland, whose address was given as Moyraverty Court, Craigavon, admitted unlawful possession of a class B drug, cannabis, and a class C drug, Diazepam, on March 26, 2014.

For the class B offence he was given a three month prison sentence and a concurrent two month term was imposed for the class C offence.

The court heard that prison staff witnessed items being passed during a visit to an inmate who was the defendant.

There were seven Diazepam tables and two blocks of cannabis.

Mulholland accepted the drugs belonged to him.

Sentencing had been adjourned from a previous court so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

A barrister representing the defendant said that Mulholland has been in custody in the past and was not keen to return but instead wants to support his family.

He would consent to probation.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said that for someone of his age Mulholland had a poor enough record with 35 offences.

He added that courts took a very serious view of passing drugs in custody and the pre-sentence report indicated he was a high likelihood of re-offending and he had a history of alcohol and drug abuse.

Imposing the custodial terms Judge Bates said he saw no merit in suspended the sentences.