A Lurgan man was caught with prescription drugs just one month after being sentenced for a similar offence.
The district judge warned the 23-year-old: “If you keep coming to the attention of the court for drugs you will be going to prison.”
Ross Coulter, of Shaerf Drive, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class C drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on December 24, at 7.45pm, police conducted a stop and search of the defendant on Edward Street, Lurgan.
During this, officers located seven pregabalin tablets in Coulter’s left sock. He was subsequently arrested and made no reply to caution.
When interviewed, the defendant made full admissions saying that he was not prescribed the drug and it was for his own personal use.
Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare stated: “He has a relevant entry on his record in November of last year and here he is again in December.”
Defence counsel said: “It was a small number of tablets, seven to be precise. He is a man who has come to the court’s attention on a few occasions.
“He does have an addiction problem. A close friend of his took his own life in 2007, which led him into depression and anxiety.”
He added: “He accepts that his addiction is having a detrimental impact not only on his own life but also the community.”
Deputy District Judge O’Hare warned the defendant: “If you keep coming to the attention of the court for drugs you will be going to prison.”
Coulter was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.
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