Bangor man (31) caught with 60 cannabis plants spared jail

A 31-year-old Bangor man who was caught with 60 cannabis plants has been spared jail - but warned he will be imprisoned if he breaks a court order.

Ryan Robert Boyd admitted cultivating cannabis, possessing the Class B drug and possessing criminal property.

He was handed a combination order at a remote sitting of Downpatrick Crown Court, sitting in Belfast, comprising of 100 hours' community service and three years' probation.

Judge Geoffrey Miller said as part of his probation, Boyd should attend a drugs programme to address his underlying issues.

Ryan's Hawthorn Drive home was searched on August 22 2018.

Police noticed a strong smell of cannabis and a total of 60 plants were located in a bedroom and garage.

Also seized was £500 found in a pink purse, along with suspected dealing figures.

When arrested, Ryan said the drugs were for his own use. When asked about the money, he said they were the proceeds of winnings on poker machines.

The father-of-three later admitted the money was from selling surplus quantities.

Judge Miller said the defendant's life had been "dominated" by health issues linked to his dependence on cannabis, which Ryan said he used as a 'self-help form of medication'.

The judge said his life will benefit from the structures put in place by probation but there would be "no hesitation" in revoking the order and sending Ryan to prison should be fail to adhere to it.