A man who was found in possession of £100 worth of cannabis and cocaine has been told to sign up with every agency between Craigavon and Cookstown.
Court heard the 18-year-old, who denied having a drug problem, had these substances despite not being employed or being on benefits.
Morgan Crooks, of Maloon Park, Cookstown, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a Class A drug and possession of a Class B drug at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
Court heard that on February 22, at 4.25pm, police spotted a Volkswagen Golf in the Lurgan area and went to speak to the occupant.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found a bag of cannabis in the rear near where the defendant had been sitting.
Crooks also handed over to police a bag of cocaine, while a further bag of the substance was found on the defendant’s person.
During interview, Crooks made full admissions to the substances being his.
Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated: “He has not consented to community service, that is cutting his options off for your worship immediately.
“He does not think he has a drug problem. That is something he and I disagree over.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “He claims that he has no income and is not receiving benefits, that means the only way he got money for drugs has been from his parents.”
Mr Lunny stated: “He instructs he has gone to the Jobs and Benefits office but he had not brought appropriate ID documents.
“The positive is that he is expecting a call for a temporary job with Castle Hydraulics and I ask that he is given a chance with community service.”
District Judge Kelly commented: “Community service is not going to touch the sides of what he has to address.”
Mr Lunny said: “Sentencing could be deferred for him to contact his GP and address his problem.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “Mr Crooks you are 18 years of age, you are fit, well and otherwise healthy, there is no earthly reason why you can’t be working full-time.
“I want you to get that job or have copies of you signing up for every agency between here and Cookstown.”
She added: “You also have to seriously contemplate your future and where your life is going.”
Crooks, speaking from the dock, said: “I’ve two hands that are stopping me from working.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “I have all matter of disabilities and diagnoses before me claiming the same, there are jobs out there tailored to your needs and requirements.
“Would that not be a better use of your time than dabbling in cannabis and cocaine, without benefits or a job you managed, on this occasion, to have £100 worth of drugs in your possession.”
Sentencing in the matter was adjourned until May 29.
