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Full-time carer caught with Class A drugs told he is at severe risk of immediate custody

Pre-sentence report ordered and defendant due back in court next month

Armagh Magistrates' Court

A full-time carer has submitted to a pre-sentence report after being advised that the only other alternative is immediate custody.

The 30-year-old’s barrister told the court that the defendant could not engage in community service as he was a full-time carer.

Paddy Ward, of Churchview, Dungannon pleaded guilty to possession of Class A and possession of Class B drugs at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

After seeing the defendant’s record, District Judge Alan White commented: “This is clearly a case for a report as he is in breach of a suspended sentence.”

Defence barrister  Paddy Taggart stated: “I would like to ask that a suspended sentence is put in place in this occasion. Mr Ward is a full-time carer and would not be able to do community service.”

Judge White said: “I cannot do that without a report, there is clearly a risk here.

“Make sure you co-operate fully with probation. You are in severe risk of immediate custody.”

Ward was released to appear before Armagh Magistrates’ on March 5 for sentencing.

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