An Armagh man who was caught with cannabis after being abusive to ambulance staff on Christmas Eve has been sentenced to 12 months probation.
The district judge previously said that given the 37-year-old’s record and “the nature of the offence” he wished to see if the defendant was suitable for community service.
Jonathon Owen, of Linen Court, appeared for sentencing on possession of a Class B drug at the city’s Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
Prosecution previously outlined that on Christmas Eve of last year, police were tasked to the Portadown Road in Armagh to reports of two males being abusive towards ambulance staff.
Officers arrived to find the defendant, who smelled strongly of herbal cannabis and appeared dazed.
During a search of Owen, police found a small clear plastic bag containing a quantity of the substance.
When later interviewed, the defendant admitted that the cannabis belonged to him and acknowledged knowing it was an offence to be in possession of the substance.
Prosecution informed court this was two grams of herbal cannabis and was valued at around £30.
District Judge Paul Copeland had ordered a presentence report into the case due to the “nature of the offence”.
Speaking on Tuesday, he said: “I had hoped that community service would be an option but that has been outlined in the report.
“I will be taking the second recommendation, you are sentenced to 12 months probation during which you will follow the instructions and guidance of your probation officer.”
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