Teen caught with drugs told he would he ‘horrified’ if he knew what his purchase was funding

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A teenager who was found in possession of £100 worth of cannabis and cocaine has been handed a suspended sentence.

The district judge told the 18-year-old he would be “horrified” if he knew what his purchase of such drugs was funding.

Morgan Crooks, of Maloon Park, Cookstown, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a Class A drug and possession of a Class B drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Last week District Judge Bernie Kelly adjourned sentencing in the case for the defendant to find a job and contemplate where his life is going.

Court previously heard that on February 22, at 4.25pm, police spotted a Volkswagen Golf in the Lurgan area and went to speak to the occupant.

During a search of the vehicle, officers found a bag of cannabis in the rear near where the defendant had been sitting.

Crooks also handed over to police a bag of cocaine, while a further bag of the substance was found on the defendant’s person.

When interviewed, Crooks made full admissions to the substances being his.

On Wednesday, defence barrister Conor Lunny said that the defendant had not found employment but had worked two shifts at his father’s farm, although there was no proof of this.

District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “The chief reason for the adjournment was for you to show a desire to change your lifestyle – don’t look at me with a furrowed brow.

“You have previous for this type of offence, although I do realise this predates the other convictions.”

Speaking from the dock, Crooks claimed he had been to recruitment agencies but had not been able to sign up as he did not have the photographic identity documents required, as both his driving licence and passport had expired.

District Judge Kelly claimed that this was not true and that the defendant could have applied for a UK identity card.

She told Crooks: “Cocaine is very serious. It ranks up there with heroin. I don’t need to tell you of the effects but if you knew what your money was funding you would be horrified.

“Have you ever wondered where the children in child pornography come from before they are in these indecent images? Every time you buy cocaine or heroin this is what you are funding.”

Crooks was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for two years.

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