Fine for ‘small amount’ of cannabis

A VOLUNTEER carer from Carmarthen pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
The court heard that on February 23, police officers had noticed a strong smell of cannabis coming from the open door of Artur Mendes’ flat in Woods Row Court. After being invited in, officers found 1 gram of herbal cannabis in the defendant’s bedroom. Mendes admitted the drug was his.
The court heard that Mendes had previous drug convictions, for possession of cannabis and cocaine.
Defending, Mike Reed asked that full credit be given for the defendant’s early guilty plea. He added that Mendes, who is unemployed, worked as a volunteer carer assisting a disabled elderly lady. Describing the amount of cannabis as ‘very small,’ he told the court that Mendes suffered from stress, and smoked the drug in an attempt to self-medicate.
Magistrates told Mendes that in view of his continued drug use the fine would be increased slightly, but added that they had taken his early guilty plea into consideration. He was fined £110, and ordered to pay £105 costs and surcharge.