Fines for two defendants charged with drugs offences

Two men have been fined £600 each after both admitting to possessing two drugs.

The case of Ivan George McClean, (43), of Rathview, Banbridge, and Clarke Beck, (35), of Moss View, Waringstown, was heard at Craigavon Courthouse sitting on Friday, February 25.

The court heard that on November 3, 2020, police received a report at an address in Waringstown after calling out two hours earlier after the occupant alleged there had been intruders on his property.

When officers arrived the second time, they observed Mr McClean in the driveway of the property in “an agitated state”. Police were concerned that he may have needed help and told officers that he was house sitting for a friend and wished to return home.

Police were allowed inside the property to conduct a search and found a number of drugs with Mr McClean being arrested and taken to custody.

The owner of the property – Mr Beck – conceded during a notebook interview that the diazepam and cannabis seizures were his, with Mr McClean also admitting the possession of cocaine and diazepam.

Both defendants represented themselves, with McClean telling the court that he “regrets” being in possession of the two drugs and the offences stemmed from having “a bad few days”.

Beck insisted that he had “struggled sleeping” but District Judge Kelly asked him – “have you ever heard of the NHS?”

Judge Kelly added: “I don’t want to ever see either of the two of you ever again for anything of a similar nature – do you understand that?”

Beck was imposed with a £300 fine for the diazepam possession, as well as a £300 fine for possessing cannabis.

McClean was imposed with a £300 fine for the cocaine possession, as well as a £300 fine for possessing cannabis.

A destruction order was granted for all the drugs seized.