A Peel man has pleaded guilty to a string of drug offences after being caught with £9,000 worth of cannabis.
Paul Stephen Bannon admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply, two of offering to supply drugs, one of production (importation) of cannabis to the island, and one of possession.
He will be sentenced on November 25 after a probation report has been completed.
Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court how a suspicious package was intercepted at the Post Office sorting office on September 23 last year.
It was addressed to 29-year-old Bannon at his parent’s home and when opened, was found to contain 62 grams of cannabis.
Police went to the address but were told that Bannon had moved to Mount Morrison in Peel.
When officers arrived at that address they saw Bannon outside next to a bin and he was subsequently arrested.
He immediately admitted that they would find cannabis in the property and a mobile phone was found on the grass outside.
Several jars of cannabis were found inside the property as well as snap bags.
A bin bag was found in the bin outside containing 243.5 grams of cannabis, valued by police at £7,305.
Cannabis weighing 54.7 grams, valued at £1,641, was found inside the property, bringing the total overall haul to £8,946 worth.
When interviewed at police headquarters Bannon answered ’no comment’ to all questions.
An analysis of the mobile phone showed evidence linking Bannon to the package that was intercepted as well as other tracking references for packages.
Ms Cubbon submitted that the case should go to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing, citing the ’significant amount of cannabis’ and evidence of supply going back some time as grounds.
Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said that a basis of plea would be prepared for his client as he said that the majority of the drug was for personal use as Bannon was using it to self-medicate for back pain.
The advocate said that discussions would be held with the prosecution regarding the basis of plea.
Mr Rodgers argued that the case should stay in summary court, saying that his client had no previous convictions and that the importation charge only related to one date and 62 grams of the drug.
Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks agreed to accept summary court jurisdiction, saying that the case was ’just’ suitable for sentencing in the lower court.
Bail continues in the sum of £500 with conditions that Bannon reside at his home address and contact probation services.