Police seize cannabis man used to ease pain after accident

A man who suffered an accident mishap was caught during a police raid with cannabis he used to dull the pain.
The case was heard at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.The case was heard at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.
The case was heard at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court.

Patrick Cronin, 39, was nabbed with the stash – including plants in the attic - at his former home in Coach Road Estate, Usworth, Washington.

Officers found the illegal class B drug when they executed a search warrant on Saturday, January 9, magistrates in South Tyneside were told.

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Cronin, now of Shafto Terrace, Albany, Washington, found the illegal class B drug helped ease pain in a knee and his back.

Some of the drug was also uncovered in a Nike sports shoe box – and Cronin made full admission of his crime when interviewed by police.

Prosecutor Leanne Duffy said: “In the defendant’s bedroom there was a container with cannabis in a clear bag.

“And there was also an amount of cannabis bush in a clear plastic bag.

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“In a Nike box there was cannabis leaf and cannabis bush inside a cloth, and there was cannabis bush inside a container.

“In the loft there were also cannabis plants.”

The court heard Cronin had 30 previous convictions from 54 offences, including 12 for similar drugs matters.

He was last before the courts in January on an unrelated matter, and owes £1,363 in previous fines and costs.

Chris Wilson, defending, said: “Police officers attend 54 Coach Road Estate to execute a drugs warrant at the defendant’s home.

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“Mr Cronin was interviewed by police. He’s used cannabis for many years, and it was for personal use.

“He was injured in an accident and suffers pain to his back and his knee.

“Under the circumstances, I would ask you to determine this case by way of a financial penalty.”

Cronin pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and was fined £100, with £85 court costs and a £34 victim surcharge.

Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.