Magherafelt man had cannabis for ‘personal use’

Stephen Currie (28), of Thornhill Court, admitted possessing the drug on May 25.

A PPS lawyer said the offence came to light when police stopped a car in the town at 1.10am and noticed a strong smell of cannabis in the vehicle.

Counsel said they spoke to Currie at the roadside and he admitted having a small amount of the drug for his own personal use.

A defence barrister said defendant had spent a few years in Australia where they had a more lenient approach to dealing with cannabis matters.

The judge also made an order for the destruction of the seized drug.