Hi °C | Lo °C A man from Londonderry who was being spoken to by police pulled out a joint and lit it, the local court has heard.
John Eugene Friel, of Carnhill, was in a house on September 19 when police were called in relation to a domestic incident. The court heard that as police were talking to Friel about the incident, he pulled out a rolled up cigarette and lit it.
The police said there was a strong smell of cannabis and they arrested Friel on suspicion of possessing a Class C drug. Later when questioned about the cigarette Friel replied that it was a joint.
Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said his client had “very foolishly” lit the joint in front of the police.
Friel also faced charges in relation to causing criminal damage to a door of a flat that he kicked in on September 12.
Mr MacDermott said his client had previously lived at the flat and had returned to get his dole cheque and became frustrated when he could not get in so he kicked the door in. The case was adjourned until May 26.
