A Newry man who was growing a cannabis plant in a wardrobe at his home has been fined £200.
The 34-year-old’s legal representative told court: “He was fully co-operative with probation and even told them about trouble he had been in back home.”
Piotr Rafal Bajor, of Chapel Street, appeared for sentencing on possession of a Class B drug and cultivating cannabis at Newry Magistrates’ Court.
Prosecution outlined that on January 17, at 2.30pm, police attended an address on Chapel Street, Newry, and they were granted access by the defendant.
Officers detected a strong smell of cannabis upon entering the property and located a small quantity of the substance in a kitchen cupboard.
Bajor was subsequently arrested and cautioned for possession of a Class B drug.
During a search of the property, police found a mature cannabis plant in a wardrobe of a first floor bedroom.
When interviewed, the defendant made full admissions and stated the substance was for personal use.
Prosecution informed court the plant was valued at £500 with the amount found in the kitchen being worth between £5 and £10.
Defence counsel stated: “He was fully co-operative with probation and even told them about trouble he had been in back home.”
District Judge Mark McGarrity said: “I accept your guilty plea and the views of the author of this presentence report in their assessments made about your attitude towards drug use.”
Bajor was ordered to pay a fine of £200, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 10 weeks.
