Cannabis user fined after forgetting he had drug in pocket when searched by police in Sheffield
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Malachi Harriott, aged 21, of Ashberry Gardens, Upperthorpe, was searched while he was in police custody and a small plastic bag with cannabis fell from the pocket of his jogging bottoms.
Robert Coyne, prosecuting, told Sheffield Magistrates’ Court that Harriott had originally been approached by officers and taken into police custody concerning another matter, which is not subject to any charges.
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Hide AdMr Coyne said: “He was made the subject of a search and a small plastic bag containing 0.6 grammes of cannabis fell from his jogging bottom trouser pocket and he was arrested for being in possession of cannabis.”
Harriott, who told police he bought the cannabis for £5 and had intended to smoke it, pleaded guilty to possessing the class B drug after the incident on March 14.
The court heard Harriott has previous convictions including drug-driving, breaching a restraining order and for some public order offences.
Harriott, who represented himself in court, told magistrates he no longer uses cannabis.
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Hide Ad“It was basically for my personal use. I don’t even smoke anymore. I didn’t even know I had it in my pocket,” he said.
The defendant added that he is working and getting his life back on track.
Magistrates fined Harriott £100 and ordered him to pay costs of £85 and a £34 victim surcharge.
To pass on information about those involved in Sheffield’s drug trade, call South Yorkshire Police on 101.