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Seven-day jail sentence for cannabis possession will not change release date for prisoner

Concurrent sentence will not alter release date for defendant serving term for other offences

A Craigavon man has not had his release date altered as a sentence handed down for possession of cannabis is to run concurrently with those already being served.

A district judge told the 29-year-old: “Given the nature of the charges before me, I do not wish to add anything to affect your current release date.”

Robert Wilson, of Ardowen, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he appeared via videolink for Maghaberry.

Court heard that on July 25, police on patrol of the Churchill Park area of Portadown observed the defendant exit an alleyway at around 7.40pm.

Officers noted that Wilson appeared startled and nervous at them being there.

A search was conducted of the defendant during which a small amount of cannabis resin was found.

Wilson was cautioned and made full admissions during a notebook interview.

Defence solicitor John McAtmaney stated: “Mr Wilson has a relevant previous record. This was a small amount for personal use which he admitted to at the scene.”

The court heard the defendant had just recently been handed several lengthy sentences and that his release date was March 11.

District Judge Alan White stated: “Given the nature of the charges before me, I do not wish to add anything to affect your current release date.”

Wilson was sentenced to seven days in prison, with this being ordered to run concurrently to his current sentence.

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