A man who was caught in possession of cannabis and cocaine at a property in Portadown has been sentenced to three months in prison.
Court heard the 35-year-old had been “doing well” just prior to being remanded in custody having moved out of the Portadown area.
George Matchett, of Flush Park, Lisburn pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug and possession of a Class A drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He appeared via videolink from Hydebank.
Court heard that on May 12, police searched the property of the defendant in Portadown.
During this, officers found a quantity of cocaine in the kitchen along with cannabis resin.
Matchett attended a voluntary interview on June 18 during which he made full admissions to the offences.
Court heard that the defendant was currently a serving prisoner with a release date in April.
Defence barrister Aaron Thompson stated: “Just before Mr Matchett was remanded into custody he was doing well.
“He had moved out of Portadown to Lisburn and his offending had tailed off.”
But he added: “Unfortunately, these offences caught up with him”.
Mr Thompson informed the court that the defendant waived his right to a pre-sentence report given his “current status”.
He added: “I know your worship’s views on Class A offences and I have informed Mr Matchett as such.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly stated: “To be fair to him, the offences for which he is currently sentencing are very similar.
“If he had been sentenced on the same day for both he would not have been looking at a longer sentence.”
She added: “With the absence of a pre-sentence report and with your current status, I have been left no options.”
Matchett was sentenced to three months in prison for the offence.
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