A Magherafelt groundsman has been fined £100 and ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy after admitting possession of cannabis.

Arnold Devlin, 36, of Coolshinney Close, was stopped by police on Ballyronan Road at 11.30pm on 19 April. Officers detected a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

Devlin handed over a grinder containing approximately two grams of the drug. He later made a full admission to possessing cannabis.

Defence solicitor Stephen Atherton told the court that Devlin is currently on probation and has attended every appointment. He said there were no other court matters pending against his client.

Mr Atherton stated that he had written to the Prosecution Service asking for a caution in the case, but this was refused.

The court heard that Devlin works as a groundsman and has four children.