An Armagh man caught with cannabis for a second time is a “fool to himself” according to a deputy district judge.
The 38-year-old’s solicitor told court: “This was for personal use. He does suffer from anxiety but he accepts this was not the correct way to deal with it and he should have spoken with his GP.”
Philip Monks, of Banbrook Hill, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution outlined that on October 16, police conducted a search of the defendant’s home in Armagh under a warrant.
During this, a small quantity of cannabis resin, approximately three-grams, was discovered.
When interviewed regarding the find, Monks made full admissions to the possession and stated it was for personal use.
Defence solicitor Oisin Toner said: “That is a fair reflection of the facts. This man lives alone but he does act as a carer for his uncle.
“This was for personal use. He does suffer from anxiety but he accepts this was not the correct way to deal with it and he should have spoken with his GP.”
He added: “He has suffered some traumatic experiences in the past, but he accepts that this is wrong.”
Deputy District Judge Trevor Browne stated: “He does have a previous conviction for an identical offence. He is a fool to himself but that is as far as it goes.”
Monks was ordered to pay a fine of £100, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within eight weeks.
