Newry man given probation for cannabis and cocaine offences
Owen Devlin, 20, has been placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to undertake drug and alcohol counselling after admitting possession of cannabis and cocaine.
DEVLIN, of Millbrook Villas, Newry, appeared before District Judge Natasha Fitzsimons at Banbridge Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry Courthouse, on October 15.
The court heard that police stopped and spoke to Devlin while he was driving in the Newry area at around 4am on June 22, after detecting a strong smell of cannabis coming from the car.
A search of the vehicle uncovered a bag containing cocaine, nine tubs of cannabis resin and herbal cannabis. The court heard that Devlin made admissions to possessing both drugs, with the cocaine found in his hand.
A further incident was outlined involving a silver Seat Leon stopped by police in July after officers noticed a defective headlight. Following a conversation with the driver, police detected a strong smell of cannabis and searched the car under drug-search powers. Drugs were seized from the front passenger footwell, and the driver made admissions.
Defence counsel told the court that Devlin was willing to engage with probation.
Judge Fitzsimons imposed 12 months’ probation and ordered Devlin to complete any required drug and alcohol counselling and other work identified during supervision. A destruction order was also made for the drugs.
The judge warned Devlin that continued offending could result in a custodial sentence.