A Portadown woman has been told that she cannot continue to use drugs and work with vulnerable people.
Alexandra Moore, 19, of Ballyoran Heights, pleaded guilty to possession of class B and using a vehicle without insurance at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
It was heard the defendant was stopped by police on the Tandragee Road, Portadown, at around 4.25pm on February 8, with her vehicle being flagged as being uninsured.
Officers spoke to Moore who told them she paid her insurance monthly.
During a search of the car, police found a small amount of cannabis resin.
When interviewed the defendant gave full admissions to the possession charge.
Court heard Moore had a limited, but relevant record, having been issued a caution for a similar offence in August last year.
Defence counsel stated that the defendant had not been aware the drugs were in the car but “accepted possession as it was her vehicle”.
He also explained that there was no insurance on the car as there had been a failed direct debit due to insufficient funds.
It was heard Moore was a care assistant who worked 40 to 45 hours a week and that she had been driving for less than two years.
Defence counsel commented that the loss of her licence would hamper her ability to work as she regularly had to travel to different places for her job.
He also informed the judge Moore had spoken to her employers about the offences and had gone through a disciplinary regime.
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “It really encourages you to get old, knowing these youngsters will be looking after you”.
She added: “Doing drugs could affect your job; you already have a caution from last August and then this from February”.
The judge finished by warning Moore that she “cannot work with any vulnerable people – be that elderly or children – if you continue to use drugs”.
The defendant was banned from driving for two weeks and ordered to pay a fine of £550, along with a £15 offender’s levy, within 16 weeks.
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