Newcastle man caught with '100 grammes' of cannabis said it was for his own use

A NEWCASTLE man caught with what a prosecutor said was "100 grammes" of cannabis in a bag in the boot of a car said it was for his own use.

Ben Dalton (24), of Mourne View Avenue, pleaded guilty to possessing a Class C drug in relation to May this year.

The prosecutor told Downpatrick Magistrates Court (main picture) police stopped a car at Newcastle Road, Dundrum, at 11.40pm.

The court heard that during a police interview the defendant believed he amount was 84 grammes.

District Judge Amanda Brady said it was a "significant amount".

A defence lawyer said police and prosecution both accept it was for the defendant's own use.

The lawyer said: "He had a bit more because he didn't like the idea of going near people to buy this in the first place so he bought a bit more to try and keep himself going".

The defendant had a previously clear record.

Judge Brady said if the defendant could afford to "bulk buy" cannabis he could afford to pay a "substantial fine" - £400.