A 28-year-old man has been sentenced to two months in prison at Derry Magistrate’s Court after admitting possessing class A and class B drugs.

Sean Connell, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the offences which occurred on 15 June. District Judge Suzanne Rice noted that Connell had numerous previous convictions for class B and class C substances and had now moved on to class A drugs.

The court heard that police attended the Simon Community premises in Derry after staff requested assistance regarding Connell. A search recovered both class A and class B drugs. Connell told officers he had picked them up on the street.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott acknowledged his client’s poor criminal record but stressed the charges were for simple possession and involved very small amounts.

Judge Rice said it was necessary to halt this pattern of offending and immediate custody was unavoidable.

Connell was jailed for two months.