A Banbridge man who swallowed cannabis to evade detection by police but later made admissions has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Also ordering the 51-year-old to pay a £200 fine, the district judge commented “He has a bad record for drugs and despite what the NHS prescribe him for free he does not agree with their medical advice.”
Roderick Campbell Harvey, of Reilly Park, pleaded guilty to obstructing the powers of a drugs search, possession of Class B, not displaying L plates, using a vehicle with no mirrors and failing to stop for police at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that May 13, police on patrol of the Moyallen Road, Gilford, observed this defendant riding a motorcycle with no mirrors.
Harvey appeared to speed off upon seeing police, overtaking several vehicles before pulling over to the side of the road.
Officers observed the defendant place an item in his mouth which he refused to spit out but later admitted was herbal cannabis, which he swallowed.
Defence counsel stated that her client claimed that he did not see police and that is why he failed to pull over. She added that Harvey struggled with addiction and mental health issues, which he self-medicated for.
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “He has a bad record for drugs and despite what the NHS prescribe him for free he does not agree with their medical advice.”
Harvey was sentenced to two months in prison suspended for two years. In addition he was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within eight weeks.
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