A Newry man who was found to be driving without a licence or insurance was also in possession of cannabis.
Court heard that the 36-year-old did have a record but this was now “of some vintage”.
John Martin Gray, of Nursery Drive, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug, using a vehicle without insurance and no driving licence at the city’s Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on October 24, police stopped the defendant driving a Vauxhall Astra on Nursery Road in Newry.
Officers noted a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car. During a search of the vehicle they located a gold tin containing a quantity of the substance.
Later checks by police also revealed that the car which Gray had been driving was not insured and that he did not hold a licence.
When interviewed, the defendant made full admissions and confirmed the substance found to be cannabis for personal use.
Defence counsel stated: “He made full and frank admissions to police. He does have a record but it is of some vintage.”
Gray was handed six penalty points and was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15.
