Man self medicated with cocaine and cannabis, court told

Magistrates hand 63-year-old £300 fine

A MAN with a range of serious health problems tried to self-medicate with cocaine and cannabis, Newbury magistrates heard.

In the dock on Thursday, May 5, was 63-year-old Michael John Sullivan of Northway, Newbury.

Joanna McGlew, prosecuting, said police, who were called to Mr Sullivan’s home on an unrelated matter, spotted a block of cannabis resin and a packet of white powder.

Mr Sullivan admitted possessing the Class A and Class B controlled drugs on March 26.

Mike Davis, defending, said police attended his client’s home because of a domestic row between his guests.

Ironically, the court heard, the situation had calmed by the time the officers arrived.

Mr Davis added: “They were nevertheless allowed in and saw the drugs.”

He said his client suffered from a range of health problems and used the drugs to self-medicate.

The cocaine was worth just £20 while the cannabis was £100 worth, magistrates were told.

Mr Sullivan was fined £300 and ordered to pay £85 costs plus a £20 surcharge.