A teenager has been put on probation for 12 months for possessing cocaine and cannabis.

Lewis Anthony Martin, aged 19, admitted both offences and must also pay £50 prosecution costs.

Prosecuting advocate James Robinson told the court that the drugs were found during a search of Martin’s home in Stevenson Court, Douglas, on March 8.

They had entered the house after officers on foot patrol reported that a smell of cannabis was emanating from the address.

Police found cocaine weighing 11.45 grams, valued at £1,145, and 5.95 grams of cannabis given a street value of £178.

Mr Robinson submitted that the case was suitable for summary court sentencing and said that Martin had no relevant previous convictions.

A probation report said that Martin had struggled with a number of family issues and that the drugs were for personal use to get him through lockdown.

Martin told probation that he hoped to start a joinery course at the Isle of Man College.

The report concluded that a probation order would give Martin support which he needed.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said: ’This is a young man at a crossroads.

’The experience of coming before the court, if there is a silver lining, has been a kick in the pants to get him back on track.’

Mr Wood agreed that a probation order would be of assistance to his client and asked the court to take into account his young age, his immediate guilty plea, and his genuine remorse.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes sentenced Martin to 12 months’ probation for each offence, to run concurrently, and ordered that the costs be paid at a rate of £20 per week deducted from benefits.