Magherafelt man in court after police smell cannabis in van

The 23-year-old Coalman was found to be in possession of the drug when police pulled him over on July 30 whilst driving a Ford Transit van from Castledawson to

Magherafelt the court heard.

When questioned about the smell of cannabis in the van, he was said to have produced a clear bag containing 0.7grams of the drug, which he told police, was for his own use.

Speaking in his defence, counsel said there had been a “significant period between this” and O’Neill’s last offence, and that his client was “trying hard to stay out of trouble”.

Judge White fined him £100, with a £15 offenders levy to be paid within 10 weeks. Legal aid was also approved for the case.