A Co Armagh man has been fined £900 after being found with cannabis while also stealing electricity.
Court heard that the 35-year-old had already begun paying back NIE through a percentage of every top-up being taken by the company.
Michael Thomas Sheridan, of Rosmoyle, Craigavon pleaded guilty to possession of class B drugs, criminal damage and dishonestly using electricity at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was heard that on March 13, police attended a property on Monbrief Walk, Lurgan, to find that there was no one at the address.
Officers entered to find wiring that was bypassing the electricity meter at the property.
A short time later, the defendant approached the address and was told that a search was to be conducted.
Sheridan was asked if there were any drugs in the property and he pointed to a TV unit where a quantity of suspected cannabis resin was found.
The defendant also produced more cannabis resin from his pocket and handed it to the officers.
When interviewed, Sheridan made full admissions to the offences.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “This was going to be contested, the only reason for this had been over the amount owed to the electricity company; I ask that Mr Sheridan is given credit for an early plea.
“He has already begun repaying the debt through a percentage of every top-up being taken by NIE”.
Sheridan was ordered to pay a fine of £900, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
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