A 22-year-old man has been handed a suspended sentence for possessing cannabis twice in two months.
John William Kelly, of Lhon Vane Close, Onchan, admitted both offences and was sentenced to three months in custody, suspended for two years. He was also made the subject of a suspended sentence supervision order for one year.
Prosecuting advocate Roger Kane told the court that Kelly was stopped by police on July 29 while he was driving on Victoria Street in Douglas.
A smell of cannabis was emanating from his car and small snap bags containing the drug were found. Cannabis weighing 16.4 grams valued at £328 was found.
On September 5, while Kelly was still on police bail for that offence, a search warrant was executed at his Lhon Vane Close home. Cannabis worth £12 was found in the house.
The court heard Kelly has previous convictions for similar offences and was subject to a probation order imposed in September 2018.
Advocate Paul Glover said: ’Mr Kelly has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and has now ceased his use of cannabis. This is a big step for someone who has been a heavy user. He has been incredibly honest about his drug use.
’He has gained great benefit from his work with probation.’
A probation report assessed Kelly as a low risk of reoffending and of harm to others.
Chair of the magistrates Belinda Pilling told him: ’We hope you take this opportunity to get your life sorted.’