Footballer warned about effect of drugs convictions

Jamie Lee Singleton (20), whose address was given as Pollock Mews, Lurgan, appeared last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

He had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a class B drug, cannabis, on June 18 this year.

The case was adjourned to that a pre-sentence report could be obtained and last week he was given a 12 month probation order.

The court heard that at 7.30pm police in the Mourneview estate had their attention drawn to the defendant.

They searched Singleton and a small amount of cannabis was found. He admitted it belonged to him.

Mr Pat Vernon, representing the defendant, said Singleton suffered from anxiety and took cannabis to keep his moods on an even plain.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, told the defendant it was not acceptable for him to say to probation that it was legal to take cannabis in other countries.

He added that the report indicated that Singleton wanted to be a footballer but he did not see clubs being interested in someone with convictions for taking cannabis.

The judge said that the defendant needed someone in authority to tell him he could not do this and if he continued to re-offend he would find himself in custody.