A man has received a suspended prison sentence after being caught with cannabis in his vehicle on the M1 motorway.

Police observed a car on the hard shoulder of the M1 at around 5pm on September 3, 2024. Officers spoke to the driver and noted a smell of cannabis. A small quantity of the drug was found.

Cleveland Barron Boyle, of Millvale Close, Annaclone, admitted possession when cautioned. He appeared before the city’s magistrates court charged with possession of a Class B controlled drug.

A defence lawyer told the court that Boyle accepted full responsibility for the offence.

District Judge Rosie Watters imposed a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for 18 months. She warned him that any further cannabis offence would likely result in the activated sentence.