A Laxey man has been handed a suspended sentence after being caught with cocaine down his trousers outside a Douglas nightclub.

Wayne Vincent Dale, of Glen Mooar, pleaded guilty to possession of the drug as well as possession and cultivation of cannabis.

The 26-year-old was sentenced to a total of six months’ custody, suspended for two years, and made the subject of a two year Suspended Sentence Supervision Order (SSSO).

We previously reported how, on March 18 at 1.30am, Dale was said to be acting suspiciously in the Outback nightclub in Barrack Street in Douglas.

He was ejected from the club by security staff and searched by police outside.

Police found six small zip lock plastic bags down the front of Dale’s trousers.

Tests later revealed that five of the bags contained cocaine with a total weight of 2.4 grams and street value of £210.

The other bag contained 5.1 grams of cannabis, said to be worth £26.97.

Police later searched Dale’s home and found seven small immature cannabis plants.

He was subsequently arrested and handed in a prepared statement saying that the drugs were all for his personal use.

Defending Dale in court his advocate David Reynolds handed in references and letters of support for his client and asked for credit to be given for his early guilty pleas and co-operation with the police.

The advocate said: ’Mr Dale is under no illusions that custody may be a possibility. He has come to court with his suitcase and is taking matters very seriously.

’He does have a large number of previous convictions, but none for cultivation or class A drugs.

’I would submit this was not a sophisticated offence. There is no evidence to support that there would ever have been any yield from the plants.

’He was already engaging with the Drug and Alcohol Team (DAT) before he was arrested. His issues with anxiety have improved due to medication he has been on.

’Custody would be a short-term fix. Not only would he lose his home but he would also have no-one to care for his dog and cat. That might seem insignificant but it is a significant worry for him.’

A probation report assessed Dale as low risk of harm to the community but a medium risk of reoffending.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said: ’Possession of class A drugs is a step up from your previous offending and that is a concern.’

Dale was sentenced to six months’ custody for cocaine possession, one month for cannabis possession and two months for cultivation, to run concurrently, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.