18 months probation for Derry man caught in possession of drugs

Driver handed an 18-month probation order after claiming the seized drugs were for personal use

When police observed a vehicle pass them at speed they followed it and found a quantity of drugs Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Jason Villa (38) of Elaghmore Park in Derry admitted possessing class A and class B drugs on March 3.

The court heard that police observed the car and stopped it on the Racecourse Road.

When Villa emerged from the vehicle police noticed that he was keeping his hand closed.

The defendant refused to open his hands and eventually police found a quantity of class A drugs.

Further searches uncovered more class A and class B drugs.

He told police the drugs were for personal use.

Villa was sentenced to 18 months probation.