Man (55) cultivated cannabis

Donald Gary Johnston (55) of Mullaghacall Crescent appeared before North Antrim Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Johnston is also charged with possessing the class ‘B’ drug, following a police search of his home on March 5.

Court heard that during the search 27g of herbal cannabis was found.

Police also located a power supply and a fan in the attic, which they believed was used to dry cannabis plants.

Johnston’s solicitor, Mr Brewster, told the court that his client had addiction problems in the past and that he used the drug for anxiety and depression.

The solicitor said that his client was “winning his battle with addiction” and described the incident as “an amateurish attempt to dry out plants that he had purchased”.

District Judge, Richard Wilson, warned Johnston not to repeat the offence: “It is unfortunate that a man of your vintage comes before the court for such an offence.”

Johnston was fined 500 and a disposal order was sought for the drugs and related paraphernalia.