Repeat drugs offender owes over £4,000 in fines, court told

Representatives for Patrick Ward, 37, of John Mitchel Street, Newry, entered guilty pleas to possession of a Class B controlled drug, namely cannabis, and possession of a Class C controlled drug, namely pregablin.

A representative for Ward said that the defendant was "no stranger to the court".

Outlining the facts, a prosecutor said that police were on mobile patrol of an area in Newry when they stopped to speak with the defendant.

On approaching police observed the defendant smoking a joint, which he disregarded before the police got beside him.

There was a strong smell of cannabis coming from him so he researched under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Ward removed one deal bag with a suspected Class B drug from his pocket, which was seized.

He also removed blister packs of pregabalin from his boxers, which were also seized.

He was arrested for the offences and made a full admission to the two offences.

District Judge Eamonn King pointed out that Ward had 26 previous convictions for drugs and asked if he paid his fine the last time he was before the court.

"There's not much point in fining him if he doesn't pay the fine, is there?" DJ King stated.

The prosecutor told the court that there was £4,399 outstanding in fines against Ward.

The case was adjoured for a day for sentencing for Ward to attend.

During Thursday's hearing it emerged that Ward was in Hollywood Rehabilitation Centre.

A defence representative said that Ward's sister had access to some of his money and therefore a fine could be paid.

DJ King said: "The issue here was £4,000 of outstanding and unpaid fines in respect of this particular individual.

"The question was, was there any point imposing a fine, which was going to remain outstanding.

"I gave an indication that if the fine was paid that I would deal with it by way of on the basis that had been paid. If that was not the case, then there would have to be a custodial sense.

"What I'm going to do then is impose a fine of £250 in each case and under destruction order with respect to the drugs and make a forthwith warrant."