Andrew Loughlin, 47, of Princeton Drive in Lurgan and formerly of Antrim town, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine on October 1 last year.

Police attended a separate incident on the street when Loughlin approached them from his property. Officers searched the house and found a small amount of cocaine.

Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena on Tuesday, heard the case. A prosecutor described how Loughlin came out to speak with police.

A defence barrister told the court that Loughlin had overcome serious addictions and separated himself from drugs.

Deputy District Judge Sean O'Hare pointed to Loughlin's extensive criminal record, which included prior jail terms.

The court sentenced Loughlin to two months in prison, suspended for one year.