“Wake up call” for man caught with nearly £5,000 worth of cannabis

Thursday 18 August 2016

The owner of a ventilation unit installation company, who was caught with cannabis worth a street value of almost £5,000, escaped jail and was handed a 140-hour community service order.

The Magistrate’s Court yesterday heard Christian Moriarty plead guilty to drug possession, having been found with a total of 196 grammes of cannabis.

Moriarty’s address at Old St John’s Road was searched by the police, who found two quantities of cannabis and a pair of scales. The first was for 98 grammes, which Moriarty said he had brought for £1,100. The second was also for 98 grammes, which he said cost him £1,200. 

Magistrate Bridget Shaw said the total ‘street’ value for the drugs would have been “just under £5,000.”

Centenier Philip Coffey told the court 30-year-old Moriarty was arrested in February and a search of his premises was made. 

Mr Coffey said: “The defendant said the scales were to make sure he was buying the correct amount for what he was paying. The cannabis was for his personal use. He bought them to have a stockpile, should the availability run dry.”

Defending Advocate Adam Harrison said Moriarty used the drug “recreationally” but has now stopped using cannabis. 

Mr Harrison said: “He has now stopped smoking cannabis and he does not intend to revert back. In mitigation, he co-operated fully and entered a guilty plea at the earliest opportunity. He has asked the court to accept his apology. He is not a prolific offender.

“He has a good work record installing ventilation units with a business partner and trading has gone well. He comes from a close family and his parents and sister are aware of the offence and have been supportive.

“He was smoking cannabis on a daily basis but has not smoked it since he was arrested. It was a wake up call for him. He has no intention of jeopardising his family by continuing to use illegal drugs. I would ask if the court would consider a period of community service so that he can continue his involvement in his family life.”

Magistrate Bridget Shaw sentenced Moriarty to 140 hours community service, “instead of eight months in custody.”

She added: “You are working hard and that is what you should be concentrating on rather than using drugs. I hope this was a wake up call you needed. Everything else will start to unravel if you do continue to use drugs. 

"Community service means you must do unpaid work for the community. If you don't comply you will be brought back to court as this is a direct alternative to imprisonment."