A 60-year-old Castletown man has been convicted of possessing £906 worth of cannabis.

Trevor Anthony Cooil, of School Hill Avenue, pleaded guilty to the charge and will be sentenced on June 20 at 10am.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on March 1, police executed a search warrant at Cooil’s home in School Avenue Hill.

Cannabis bush weighing 45.3 grams, said to have a street value of £960, was found.

Cooil was arrested and taken to police headquarters where he handed in a prepared statement to police.

In it, he said that the drugs were for his own personal use and that he had never supplied anyone.

He was charged with possessing cannabis and made no reply after caution.

Mr Robinson said that the prosecution felt that the case was suitable to remain in summary court for sentencing.

He also submitted an application for forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and prosecution costs of £125.

The court heard that Cooil had some relevant previous convictions but none since 2009.

Defending Cooil, his advocate Paul Rodgers agreed that the case should remain in the lower court and asked for an adjournment to allow time for the preparation of a probation report before sentencing.

Mr Rodgers also submitted a legal aid application on behalf of Cooil.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’The facts have been accepted and a conviction recorded. I am satisfied that the sentencing powers of this court are sufficient to deal with the matter.’

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with conditions that Cooil reside at his home address, co-operate with probation services, and not leave the island without the court’s permission. Legal aid was granted subject to proof of income being provided within 14 days.