A 26-YEAR-OLD man found to have cocaine with a ‘street value’ of £160 hidden in his wallet has been jailed for six weeks.

Shane Carty, of Drumbawn Close, Drumclay, Enniskillen, was charged with possession of a Class A controlled drug, namely cocaine, on June 3, 2016.

Carty, who appeared before Fermanagh Magistrates Court via videolink from Maghaberry prison, had entered a guilty plea during an earlier hearing in the case.

At his sentencing on Monday, the court heard that, shortly after 11pm on June 3 last year, police were conducting a ‘stop and search’ on a black Volkswagen Golf at Old Henry Street, Enniskillen.

The defendant was a front seat passenger in the car, the court heard. During the search, officers uncovered a wrap containing a white powder from his wallet.

Forensic analysis confirmed that the substance was cocaine. The quantity seized was estimated to have a “street value” of £160.

During a subsequent interview, the defendant remained silent throughout.

Defending counsel, Ciaran Roddy, told the court that his client was currently in custody in connection with an unrelated drugs matter that was in the “early stage of investigation”.

The barrister said that the quantity of cocaine weighed 1.6 grams and the amount was “entirely consistent” with personal use.

Mr. Roddy said that this would be the defendant’s first conviction of this nature, although it was accepted he was “no stranger to the courts”.

In mitigation, the barrister said that a number of “tragic events” had befallen Carty in recent times in relation to some of his friends.

He added that the defendant had shown “considerable potential” in attaining a number of GCSEs and vocational qualifications.

District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that the defendant had a “poor” record, but nothing previous for drugs offences.

The judge imposed a six-week custodial term and ordered Carty to pay a £25 offender levy.