A Gliford man received the first entry on his record and was fined £150 after being caught in possession of cannabis.
The 21-year-old’s barrister told court: “He, as others do, have to accept that this is an illegal substance and he will be left with a criminal record because of this.”
Shane Jordan Newell, 21, of Chuch View Villas, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Newry Magistrates’ Court last Monday.
It was heard that on May 1, police approached a parked car on Bridge Street, Newry, and as they did so they detected a strong smell of cannabis.
Officers spoke to the occupants, one of which was the defendant, who was in the back seat.
When told a search was going to be carried out Newell admitted to being in possession of cannabis resin.
This was around two grams of the substance worth approximately £15.
Court heard that the defendant had one caution for a similar offence.
Defence barrister Bobbie Rea stated: “He made full admissions and was fully co-operative with the police.
“This is a young man that works and displays industry in every other aspect of his life.”
He continued: “He, as others do, have to accept that this is an illegal substance and he will be left with a criminal record because of this.
“If not for this, I do not believe this is a man who would be before the courts.”
Newell was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within four weeks.
