Diarmuid Brady, 25, from Carrigart in Craigavon, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Police stopped a car driven by Brady on Corcrain Road in Portadown at 12.45am on January 2. They detected a strong cannabis smell from the vehicle and observed his nervous behaviour, including shifting in his seat and moving his hands.

Officers searched Brady and his car. A small clear bag of white powder fell from his left trouser leg. He admitted it was cocaine and made full admissions in interview.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan questioned the need for a pre-sentence report based on Brady's record. The judge noted Brady had completed prior probation despite disliking it.

Brady's barrister, Conor Lunny, stated his client takes full responsibility for the cocaine, intended for his own use with a friend. Lunny acknowledged this as Brady's third court appearance for drug offences.

Lunny described Brady as a self-employed scaffolder who now presents as lucid and clean.

Judge Ranaghan imposed nine months probation and 50 hours community service. He warned that breaching probation would lead to custody in Maghaberry.