A Portadown man who was twice caught with cannabis in the space of two months must wait to learn his fate.
Court heard the 29-year-old was also found slumped behind the wheel of a car whilst under the influence of the substance.
Sean Cardwell, of Garvaghy Gardens, pleaded guilty to driving whilst unfit through drugs, two counts of possession of a Class B drug and failing to provide a specimen at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
These offences were accrued by the defendant over two separate incidents.
Prosecution outlined that on July 21, police observed a Ford Fiesta with a flat tyre at Mandeville Manor, Craigavon.
Officers approached the vehicle to find Cardwell slumped in the driver seat. The keys were in the ignition, the lights on and there was a strong smell of cannabis.
A preliminary breath test was conducted on the defendant which resulted in a pass but a field impairment gave a fail.
Cardwell was arrested and taken into custody and whilst there a small amount of cannabis resin fell out of his pocket.
The defendant on several occasions refused to give a specimen of blood for analysis.
Then on August 19, at around 8.45pm, police on patrol of Lurgan observed a vehicle in a car park.
Officers approached the car and noted a strong smell of what was suspected to be cannabis.
Cardwell, who was the driver of the vehicle, was informed that a search would be conducted.
During this a small amount of herbal cannabis was located in the rear footwell on the driver’s side.
When cautioned for the offence the defendant made no reply.
During a notebook interview, Cardwell admitted that the substance belonged to him. He claimed that it was for personal use and that he paid less than £10 for it.
Defence solicitor Siun Downey stated: “Mr Cardwell has abstained from cannabis since the commission of the last offence and has admitted guilt at the very first opportunity.
“He is a carer for his brother. He has instructed that if the penalty was a fine it would not be possible for him to pay the money as he is in considerable debt.”
She continued: “He has attended with his GP and has made steps to overcome this issue which took over him in 2015, 2016.”
Deputy District Judge John Rea said: “If what you are proposing is a probation sentence it will require a pre-sentence report and I can see the benefit of one.”
Cardwell was released to appear on November 29 for sentencing.
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