Michael McNern of Drumbawn Close, Drumclay in Enniskillen, was charged with possessing cannabis when his case was heard at Enniskillen Magistrates Court. 

The court heard that police were on mobile patrol on January 31st last when they observed McNern leaving his partner’s house at Beech Hill, Cavanaleck and get into a car. McNern then drove onto the Coa Road where police officers stopped him and on speaking to the defendant, they detected a strong smell of cannabis. A search of the car uncovered cannabis, valued at £200 and McNern made full admissions at the scene. 

Defence solicitor Michelle McVeigh disputed the value of the drug, pointing out that it had not been weighed and that she had been advised that its value was only £30. Ms McVeigh said her client had admitted in the roadside interview with police that the cannabis was for his own personal use. She added that the loss of his mother had led to McNern’s life “spiralling out of control and the use of cannabis”. 

Ms McVeigh pointed out that a pre-sentence report prepared for the case indicated that her client had been engaging well while attending addiction services.

“He has made a clear effort to address his addiction although he is not yet drug-free,” she added.       

Deputy District Judge Amanda Brady noted that McNern had received a suspended sentence for drug offences last May. 

“I could put that suspended sentence into operation and put you in custody today,” she told McNern. The judge noted that the defendant was taking positive steps and making efforts to deal with drug issue. She sentenced him to 80 hours community service.