After a road traffic collision in Craigavon, PSNI detected 'strong smell' of cannabis from driver's sports bag, court hears

James Brady, aged 28, from Moyraverty Meadows, Craigavon, appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged with possession of the Class B drug cannabis.

-

-

On November 3 last year at 3.50pm police attended a road traffic collision at Moyraverty Road, Craigavon.

While speaking to the defendant, who was the driver of one of the vehicles, police detected a "strong smell of herbal cannabis” coming from a sports bag he had removed from the car.

Brady admitted the cannabis belonged to him and handed police a tin containing 19 hand-rolled cannabis cigarettes. He said it was for “personal use”.

His barrister, Ms Ciara Ennis, said his "client cooperated from the outset”. "He had also informed his employer and received a very positive reference from his employer,” she said.

The barrister said Brady was "self-medicating” but had seen his GP and is now on prescription medication to manage his anxiety and sleep issues.

"He’s a married man who is in full time employment and his wife is expecting their first baby in March 2026. From the positive report from his employer, it is clear his employment is still there,” said the barrister, adding her client would be in a position to meet any financial penalty.

"He is really asking for a second chance,” said Ms Ennis, who revealed her client has previously received a caution.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan pointed to the caution for a similar offence saying it was "an aggravating factor” and fined him £250 plus £15 Offender Levy.