A Portadown man who was found in possession of drugs three times in the space of just one month has been sentenced to two years probation.
The district judge warned the 20-year-old: “You understand that this is becoming a serious issue and that if it continues you will lose your liberty over this.”
Bailey Lunt, of Seagoe Road, appeared for sentencing on two counts of possession of Class B and two counts of possession of Class C at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Friday via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on October 2, police had stopped the defendant’s vehicle and during a search a quantity of cannabis was found to which he made full admissions.
Then on October 7, Lunt was again stopped by officers and on this occasion six pregabalin tablets to the value of £20 were located in the vehicle.
On October 30, police had a warrant to conduct a search of the defendant’s home. He was not there at the time but officers were granted entry by his father who pointed them in the direction of his son’s room.
During this search, police uncovered more cannabis and pregabalin tablets.
District Judge Rosie Watters stated: “From reading the report, this appears to a problem in which the family have had to deal with a young person who is addicted to drugs.”
Defence barrister Joel Lindsay commented: “That is exactly it, the family have realised that there is a problem there and that is why his father has attended with him today.”
District Judge Watters stated: “It is difficult, but I often find that the only way things like this are dealt with is when it does reach the criminal justice system.
“Young people do not go to counselling easily but when it is court ordered that is an entirely different story.”
Addressing Lunt, she said: “You understand that this is becoming a serious issue and that if it continues you will lose your liberty over this.
“I am going to impose a probation order, it will give you all the help you need. Take it or otherwise you will be going out of the court through the wrong door.”
Lunt was sentenced to a probation order for a period of two years for the offences before the court.
