A Lurgan man has been hit with a £400 fine after cannabis was found during a search of a car which had been off the road for over a year.
The 35-year-old’s barrister stated that the defendant did have a record but it was of some vintage.
Neil McGarrell, of Lake Street, pleaded guilty to possession of Class B at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday.
Prosecution outlined that on April 1, police conducted a search of the defendant’s home.
An Audi vehicle belonging to McGarrell was also searched and a small quantity of cannabis was found inside it.
During interview, the defendant made full admissions that the drug was his and that he knew it was illegal to be in possession of the substance.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated: “He made full and frank admissions to police; it must be outlined that this search was in relation to another matter.
“The car had been off the road for over a year, Mr McGarrell does have a record but it is of some vintage.”
District Judge Bernie Kelly commented: “They are of a slight vintage but he is on a slippery slope.”
McGarrell was ordered to pay a fine of £400, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
