A 22-year-old Onchan man has been convicted of possessing £864 worth of cannabis.

Liam Scott Johnathon Murphy, of Buttermere Drive, will be sentenced on September 11 after a probation report has been prepared.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court how, on December 23 at 9.20pm, police executed a search warrant at an address in Murray’s Road where Murphy was living.

He was not present so they forced entry and found 2 grams of cannabis.

However, while they were still at the property Murphy arrived home and his car was searched.

In the car, police found a further 41.2 grams of the drug in a compartment in the boot.

In a police interview Murphy told police all the cannabis was for his personal use, saying he bought in bulk but kept it in his car to stop him smoking it all too quickly.

Mr Swain said no evidence of supplying the drug had been found.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered that the probation report should consider all options, including custody.

The court heard that the offence was committed while Murphy was still subject to a community service order.

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that he reside at his home address, contact probation, and not leave the island without court permission.