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Armagh man found with cannabis, scales and bags during house search to be sentenced next month

Defendant did not attend court but entered a guilty plea through his solicitor

Armagh Magistrates' Court

An Armagh man found in possession of cannabis, scales and bags must wait until next month to be sentenced.

A district judge told the 36-year-old’s legal representative that the matter could not be dealt with due to the quantity of drugs found and the defendant’s record.

Anthony Christopher McLaughlin, 36, of Corrigan Court, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

The defendant was not in attendance but entered his plea through his solicitor.

Court heard that on January 19, 2016, McLaughlin’s home was searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Inside police found 200g of herbal cannabis along with scales, bags and a mobile phone.

When interviewed about the offences, the defendant made no admissions.

Upon hearing the facts, District Judge Brian Archer stated: “If it had been a smaller amount I would have dealt with it today in his absence.

“However, given his record and the amount, I will require a pre-sentence report.”

The case will return on April 16 for sentencing.

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