Warren Masterson (36) of Derrychara Park appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday charged with possession of a Class A drug, and two counts of possession of a Class B drug.

The drugs were detected after police stopped Masterson on the Wellington Road in Enniskillen at approximately 11.30pm on July 10 last year. The officers searched him under the Misuse of Drugs Act, recovering a Drum tobacco packet containing herbal cannabis. 

Masterson was arrested and when police carried out a subsequent search on his home they located a small cannabis cultivation operation, containing four plants. The officers also uncovered cannabis in a shoe box and in a jar. The cannabis was valued at £3,000. A total of 8.4 grams of psilcin, better known as magic mushrooms, were also found as well as £1,150 in cash. 

Defence solicitor Sean McHugh said Masterson, who had a previous caution for possession of a Class B, recognised cannabis consumption was “an issue” for him, and said he was now seeking addiction treatment. He said Masterson had been taking the drug for many years now, using it as a substitute to alcohol as he drank very little. 

Mr McHugh said the father-of-two, who is a self-employed painter and decorator, had made full and frank admissions to police when arrested and when he was made aware officers were to carry out a search on his house he “flagged” them to the drugs found in his house, taking full responsibility. 

Stating his arrest and prosecution had been “a difficult experience” for Masterson and his family, Mr McHugh said a pre-sentence report on the defendant was very fair and his client was willing to accept any of its recommendations. 

District Judge Liam McStay said he would give Masterson full credit for his early admissions to police, which he carried through to the court. However, he added he could not ignore the seriousness of possession of a Class A drug, as was the cultivation of cannabis. 

Judge McStay said a custodial sentence would be merited but because of Masterson’s employment and family commitments, and the fact he had sought addiction credit he was going to suspend any sentence. 

Masterson was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and a destruction order was issued for the drugs.