Woman said ‘I have the weed’

Diane Farrell (35), Drumreagh Park, Rostrevor, admitted possession of cannabis when she appeared last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court.

For the offence she was sentenced to 40 hours community service.

She was also fined £200 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy for disorderly behaviour on February 12 this year.

The court heard that police had attended the home of Farrell’s partner in relation to another matter.

They overheard her saying on a phone call: “You have the cigarettes. I have the weed.”

Police detained her in Newry Street, Banbridge, and while waiting for the arrival of a female officer Farrell became extremely agitated and began screaming in the street.

She said: “You’ll find f—k all.” Eventually she calmed down and handed over a bag to police.

She admitted possession of herbal cannabis for her own use. It was less than £20 in value.

District Judge, Mr Paul Copeland, said the defendant was in violation of a suspended sentence.

A barrister representing Farrell said she was aware her liberty was very much in jeopardy.

He explained that she was currently engaged in a community service order imposed at a Newry court for offences which happened around the same time as these offences.

The lawyer said community service had allowed her to remain drug and alcohol free and asked the court to allow her to continue down this path.

Judge Copeland told Farrell that she persisted with acquiring or associating with drugs she was going to end up in jail.

He said he was going to give her the opportunity to continue with the community work.