A Craigavon teenager has been sentenced to 12 months probation to “assist in dealing with your addictions”.
The 18-year-old was warned that if he did not co-operate this would be replaced with immediate custody.
William Geary, of Parkmore, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a Class B drug and possession of fireworks without a licence at the Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
District Judge Bernie Kelly said: “It is rather unfortunate that I do not have a pre-sentence report, as all of the offences occurred in 2017.
“These matters were deferred to find out if you could stay out of trouble.”
Defence counsel said: “The two charges that relate to drugs were in quantities less than half a cigarettes worth.”
He added: “They were all committed when Mr Geary was 17. If he was dealt with as a junior the sentence would be very much different.”
District Judge Kelly stated: “I am going to deal with these matters, as they are so serious there is only one penalty I can impose.”
Geary was sentenced to complete 12 months probation.
The district judge said: “This is to assist in dealing with your addictions. You must co-operate with probation and engage in any programme they deem necessary.
“If this comes back to court I will be replacing it with immediate custody.”
