A man and woman from Ramsey have been fined for possessing cannabis at their home.

Mark Peter Richards, aged 33, and Gerry-Ann Louise Howarth, aged 21, both of Waverley Terrace, admitted the offence after a neighbour reported smelling the drug.

Magistrates fined Richards £350 and Howarth £250.

Prosecutor Barry Swain told the court that police received a call from a member of the public on May 25 at 11.45pm saying that they could smell cannabis coming from the flat which Richards and Howarth lived at.

Police arrived and said that they could smell the drug when Richards opened the door.

A grinder and some spliffs were found inside the property.

Seven wraps of cannabis were also found in a container behind a washing machine.

No weight or value was given for the drugs.

They were both initially charged with possession of the drug with intent to supply and possessing criminal property, namely £1,154 in cash, which they denied.

However, when the charges were amended to possession only they entered guilty pleas. Representing Richards, advocate Jane Gray said that an explanation had been given for the money found and receipts had been provided.

Ms Gray said: ’Mr Richards tells me he uses cannabis for pain relief for a back problem.’ A letter from the hospital confirmed that Richards had been treated for spine problems.

Louise Cooil represented Howarth and said that her client used the drug for problems with mental health.

’She is not a heavy user, she uses it to get through the day and to help her sleep.’

The court heard that Richards had been given a caution for a similar offence, a month before the latest offence.

Magistrates ordered both to pay their fines at a rate of £10 per week deducted from benefits.