A man who was found with MDMA and Methamphetamine has been warned his next drugs offence will see him sent back to Lithuania.
The district judge told the 42-year-old: “Your pre-sentence report stated that you don’t take drugs and never have done, if that is the case then you must be a drug dealer.”
Saulius Pirtinas, of Corcrain Drive, Portadown pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a Class A drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
It was heard that on March 9, at around 5pm, police on patrol of West Street, Portadown, spotted the defendant running off the foot bridge and down the middle of the road.
Officers spoke to Pirtinas and asked him to identify himself.
As he tried to produce a from of identification a small clear bag containing a white powder fell on the floor.
The defendant said to police: “Oh my God, what the f*** is that?”
Officers told Pirtinas that this had fallen from his hand.
They then noticed that the defendant’s left cheek was puffed out, when asked to open his mouth police found another clear bag containing three green tablets.
Pirtinas appeared intoxicated his speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet.
He told the officers that he had been given the substances by someone else on the bridge.
Analysis of the substances showed them to be MDMA and Methamphetamine.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “This is one of the most concerning pre-sentence reports I have ever read.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly replied: “You are right, there are only two classes that appear before this court for drugs offences and Mr Pirtinas doesn’t take drugs so he must be a drug dealer.”
Mr McKeown said: “What is more concerning to see is that he appears to have tied your worship’s hands with regards to sentencing.
“I have spoken to him on the denial of drugs and alcohol abuse, which rules out probation.”
He continued: “He did not consent to community service, this was because he believed it was a nine to five job which would require him giving up his current employment.
“I have explained to him this is not the case. This is a worrying report for a man with alcohol and drug issues otherwise he would not have the record he has.”
Distict Judge Kelly stated: “Mr Pirtinas these are serious offences. They become even more serious because of your previous record and your denial.
“Your presentence report stated that you don’t take drugs and never have done, If that is the case then you must be a drug dealer.”
Speaking from the dock, Pirtinas claimed that he took drugs only when he had been drinking.
District Judge Kelly said: “Well according to the report you don’t have a problem with alcohol either, this is your second appearance in court in a short period of time for very similar offences.
“Your very next drugs offence will see you sent back to Lithuania, your next alcohol fuelled offence will do it, this is your last chance.”
Pirtinas was sentenced to two months in prison suspended for two years.
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