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Lorry driver caught with cannabis within two weeks of receiving caution fined £150

Defence said: 'He instructs that he has not smoked cannabis since'

A Newtownhamilton man who was caught with cannabis within two weeks of receiving a caution for a similar offence has been fined £150.

The district judge told the 25-year-old: “Don’t be wasting your money on court fines. If you are before the court again it will be more than this again.”

John Preston, of Cortamlat Road, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

It was heard that on April 14, the defendant was stopped by police at a routine checkpoint in Armagh.

Officers observed a number of cigarette filters and papers in the back of the car and when questioned Preston stated they were for cigarettes only.

As the defendant exited the vehicle police spotted a bag in the door compartment containing cannabis.

During a notebook interview, Preston claimed he had found the substance in his back seat but accepted possession.

Court heard the defendant was cautioned for a similar offence in April.

Defence solicitor Jarlath Fields stated: “Mr Preston is employed as a lorry driver. He lives with his parents. He was cautioned a short time before this offence but other than that has no record.

“He instructs that he has not smoked cannabis since.”

District Judge Peter King said: “Don’t be wasting your money on court fines. If you are before the court again it will be more than this again.”

Preston was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 15 weeks.

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