Sean Symington appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court last Wednesday where he denied possessing a Class B controlled drug with intent to supply. 

On August 7th, 2017 a member of the public contacted police to say they had come across what they thought was drugs being hidden outside Newtownbutler. 

When police investigated they found two lunch box type containers, one of which contained eight-and-a-half ounces of cannabis worth £2,073. Several sets of Symington’s fingerprints were found on the containers. 

Symington’s defence team argued there was nothing to suggest intent to supply found with the drugs, such as weighing scales or a “dealer’s list”, or any other paraphernalia. 

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said there was “a compelling case” Symington was aware the drugs were where they were found since his finger prints were found on both containers. He said given the amount found, he was satisfied of the intent to supply. 

Estimating the amount of cannabis found could make in the region of 1,500 joints, Judge Ranaghan said he “heard of people with serious habits” but not such large amounts. 

He convicted Symington of the charge. 

Judge Ranaghan adjourned sentencing until October 2nd to await a pre-sentence report. 

The judge warned Symington to engage with probation services for the purpose of the report, or else he may face a custodial sentence.