A Lurgan man has been given a conditional discharge for possession of cannabis after a gap in his offending.
After handing down the sentence, the district judge told the 30-year-old: “Hopefully this is just a blip and you can get on with your life.”
Stephen John McCann, of Gilpinstown Road, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that at around 11.45pm on December 22, of last year, police on patrol of the Drumellan estate in Moyraverty spotted a BMW.
Officers approached the vehicle and detected a strong smell of cannabis.
A search was conducted of the occupants and vehicle, during which a cigarette containing suspected cannabis was found in the rear of the car.
The defendant, who had been a passenger, admitted to the substance being his.
McCann was cautioned for the offence and made no reply.
During interview, the defendant confirmed the cigarette contained cannabis, that it belonged to him and that he intended to smoke it.
District Judge Steven Keown stated: “He was in the Crown Court in 2016, albeit for an offence dating back to 2013. He was received a suspended sentence in 2015 for possession of Class B but there has been nothing since.”
Defence solicitor Chris Logue said: “Mr McCann is working full time. He has five children between the age of seven and six months. He instructs he does not have the time to offend.”
McCann was handed a conditional discharge for 12 months.
District Judge Keown told the defendant: “Hopefully this is just a blip and you can get on with your life.”
