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£400 fine for man who smokes cannabis to relieve back pain

36-year-old caught with drug in his sock

A Ramsey man who told a court he smokes cannabis to help with back pain has been fined after being told the drug is still illegal.

Thirty-six-year-old Mark Peter Richards, of Close ny Mooragh, appeared at Douglas Courthouse.

He admitted two counts of possessing the class B drug after the police went to his home on 13 January.

On the way to raid the property they saw Richards and arrested him – he admitted he had cannabis in his sock.

A search of his home uncovered more of the drug and in total officers recovered 4.4 grammes worth £98.

Richards' advocate said her client suffered chronic back pain and smoked cannabis to relieve it as well as taking prescription medicines.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks fined him £400 and ordered him to pay £50 towards prosecution costs saying "unfortunately the use of cannabis in the circumstances you are using it is still illegal".

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