A man who was found with cannabis “which amounted to the dust in a grinder” after police were called over concerns for his safety has been handed a £150 fine.
The district judge told the 34-year-old: “I’m no doctor but I would suggest that taking drugs may have led you to your mental health problems.”
Desmond McDonnell, of Barban Heights in Dromore, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Newry Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Prosecution outlined that on June 19, police received a 999 call regarding an unrelated matter.
At 2pm, the defendant was arrested in relation to other matters. Class B drugs were found during this and he was also further arrested for this.
When questioned, McDonnell admitted that the drugs were his and confirmed the substance to be cannabis.
The defendant was interviewed on a later date about the offence when he claimed to suffer from anxiety and depression.
McDonnell stated that he had been making an attempt to take his own life.
Defence solicitor Kevin McCamley said: “Police were called by the defendant’s ex-partner as he was attempting to take his own life.
“A very small amount of cannabis was found which amounted to the dust in a grinder. He was then taken away due to his mental health issues.”
He added: “Mr McDonnell now accepts that this it not the way to address his depression”.
District Judge Eamonn King stated: “I’m no doctor but I would suggest that taking drugs may have led you to your mental health problems.”
McDonnell was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
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