A Co. Tyrone man who told police “that’s b*******” after being cautioned for drugs offences has been handed 60 hours of community service.
Court heard that after police discovered cocaine in the trouser leg of the 24-year-old he claimed that it was creatine.
Thomas Lester, of Cookstown, pleaded guilty to two counts possession of class A and two counts of possession of class B at Armagh Magistrates’ on Tuesday.
It was heard that on September 17, at around 10.15pm, police observed two vehicles on the Cathedral Road, Armagh, travelling fast and close together.
Officers watched as one male got out of one car before entering the other, which subsequently made off.
Police stopped the vehicle and spoke to the four male occupants.
They noted that the all the male passengers seemed nervous.
Officers spoke to the defendant – who was the front seat passenger – and at first, he gave a false name.
Police noted that Lester’s eyes were glazed and they detected a smell of cannabis.
A search was conducted of the defendant.
Officers found a bag of white powder in his trouser leg which Lester claimed was creatine.
More of the substance was found in the defendant’s left shoe along with suspected cannabis.
When cautioned, Lester replied saying “that’s b*******”.
Whilst in custody a further bag of white powder was discovered in the defendant’s right shoe.
During interview, Lester accepted that the items recovered were cannabis and cocaine.
Defence barrister Kevin O’Hare stated: “Mr Lester has served three weeks in prison for this offence.
“The report gives an insight into his difficult upbringing, this incident came just after the disposal of another drugs offence”.
Mr O’Hare said he believed that the defendant would benefit from probation.
He added that it was clear from the facts that this was a small amount for personal use.
District Judge Alan White sentenced Lester to a combination order of 12 months of probation and 60 hours of community service.
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