$300 fine for man caught with cannabis (1.5 grams)

Magistrate Michael Allen. A MAN caught with $30 worth of cannabis has been convicted and fined after he failed to appear to answer the charge against him.

Peter Leslie Bell, 46, of Ribbon Gum Lane, Windradyne did not appear before magistrate Michael Allen on January 16 to answer the charge of possessing a prohibited drug, and the matter was dealt with in his absence, under Section 196.

Police facts tendered to the court told how at 11.30am on Wednesday, November 30, police were conducting covert patrols of a street in West Bathurst in relation to suspected drug supply in the city. Bell was seen walking from a location that was of interest to police. They approached Bell, who was walking south along Suttor Street. They asked what he was doing in the area, and said he had “been dropped off by a friend.” Police explained to Bell he was seen leaving a location suspected of drug supply and police suspected he may be in the possession of a prohibited drug. Bell was submitted to a search; prior to this he declared he had a quantity of cannabis in his wallet and produced a quantity of folded up colouring-in paper, and inside the paper was a quantity of cannabis. Bell was cautioned by police and he then made admissions to purchasing the cannabis for $30, with the intent of smoking it. He did not say who sold him the drugs. The cannabis was seized by police and Bell left the location. The drug was weighed and found to be 1.5 grams. Due to Bell’s criminal antecedents the court heard he was ineligible for a cannabis caution and was charged with the matter. Mr Allen convicted Bell, and fined him $300, ordering the drugs be destroyed. http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4424249/fined-for-possessing-a-prohibited-drug/