Attack victim found lying outside pub with 18 bags of drugs

Christopher Cairns was found lying on the pavement outside the Stella Maris in Albany shortly after midnight, on November 19, Sunderland magistrates heard.

The 34-year-old was suffering from facial injuries – but he was the one who got into trouble after police found amphetamine and cannabis in his pocket.

Prosecutor Angela Narey said: “Mr Cairns was involved in a physical altercation while in the Stella Maris pub at just after midnight on November 19.

“Police found him heavily intoxicated – lying on the pavement outside the pub – with facial injuries.

“Mr Cairns was arrested, however no action was taken in relation to the incident.

“Whilst in police custody, officers found in his jacket, 18 small white bags of powder, later confirmed to be amphetamine.

“He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply at that time.

“Officers searched his home address, where they found items including scales, cash, plastic bags and a small amount of cannabis bush.

“He was charged with possession only of amphetamine and cannabis, which both are Class B drugs.

“He said the drugs were for his own personal use, and the reason he had them individually wrapped in 18 separate bags was so that he didn’t take too much at anyone time.

“He denied being a drug dealer and said the amphetamine was only worth £40.”

Cairns, of Urban Gardens, Concord, Washington, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a Class B drug.

David Byrne, defending, said: “It is agreed there was an altercation. He was the injured party. There was no charge as he was the one who had been assaulted.”

In relation to the cannabis, Mr Byrne said: “He thought it was alright smoking in his own home to which I have given him advice, but he unfortunately believed it was okay in his own home.”

Mr Byrne said Cairns, an engineer fitter by trade, had lost his driving licence last summer for failing to provide a specimen of breath.

He added: “These were recreational drugs and he shouldn’t have had them. He’d had a drink

“He had lots of tiny little bags each was probably worth £2.

“He is trying to get back into employment in the motor industry, but he can’t until he gets his driving licence back after he was banned last summer.”

Cairns was fined £80 and was told to pay a £30 surcharge and £85 costs.