An Armagh man who was driving with “six bags of cannabis” in his car has been ordered to pay a fine of £1,000.
Court heard that a reference from the 23-year-old’s employer stated he drove throughout the country as part of his work.
James Rolston, of Old Mill Avenue, appeared to contest a charge of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs at Armagh Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry, on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the defendant indicated a plea to a single offence of possession of a Class B drug, namely cannabis, on March 15.
Defence barrister Patrick Taggart told court that the contested matter could be adjudicated on the papers.
Despite evidence from the prosecution, District Judge Bernie Kelly acquitted Rolston of the charge commenting that police had not made any observations as to the nature of the defendant’s driving.
Mr Taggart provided the judge with a reference from Rolston’s employer, in which it was stated he drove throughout the country as part of his employment.
District Judge Kelly commented that this was of “concern” given that the defendant had been found with “six bags of cannabis” in his vehicle.
Mr Taggart stated that his client accepted that these bags contained cannabis and a mixture of tobacco, but added he had since stopped use of the substance.
Rolston was ordered to pay a fine of £1,000, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
