An Armagh man who was handed a five year sentence earlier this month for the attempted robbery of a Chinese restaurant in the city was up before magistrates once more.
Robert Philip Arnold, of Drumcairn Way, was sentenced to two and a half years behind bars, and a further two and a half years on licence, for the attempted robbery of East on Railway Street in May last year.
He was jailed for that offence at Newry Crown Court on September 2.
On Tuesday, the 41-year-old was back before Armagh Magistrates’ Court, via videolink from Maghberry, for an offence which took place while on bail for the attempted robbery.
Arnold pleaded guilty to charges of possession of a Class C Controlled Drug – Xanax – and obstructing police in their powers of search for drugs.
A prosecution lawyer outlined how, on April 2, Arnold ran off from police, who turned their vehicle after seeing him loitering within the vicinity of Armagh courthouse.
The defendant ran off towards College Street but was later apprehended on Barrack Street. An initial search was carried out but proved negative.
He was then taken to Armagh police station for a further search. It was here he was observed removing a small package from his underwear and ingesting it.
An ambulance crew were called as the package became lodged in the back of his throat. The package contained seven crushed tablets, which were subsequently seized.
Arnold confirmed in notebook interview that the tablets were Xanax.
District Judge Bernie Kelly handed Arnold a one month sentence.
