‘It has a wee bit of brown in it’

Stephen McPolin(24) from Edenderry Park was told at last week’s court that he was being given a chance and if he didn’t take it he could risk going back to jail.

He was arrested after being stopped and searched by police on 22 November last at Scarva Road, Banbridge.

The cannabis was found in his jacket pocket. When cautioned he said, “Aye it has a wee bit of brown in it.”

Barrister Justin Byrne said his client had a significant record peppered with offences of this nature.

District Judge Mr Paul Copeland said it appeared McPolin hadn’t quite grasped the gravity of the situation. There is a strong signal that he has not been most co-operative with Probation in the past.

Mr Byrne replied, “He didn’t co-operate and was in prison for two months and I hope that proved a lesson to him.”

The combination order imposed by the court includes a specific drugs and alcohol counselling programme.