A 32-YEAR-OLD man was hiding over 90 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets under loft insulation in the house he shared with his parents, Fermanagh Magistrates Court has heard.

Fearghal Martin O’Reilly, of Brook Terrace, Enniskillen, pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A controlled drug, namely Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, more commonly known as ‘Ecstasy’, on September 5, 2016.

The court heard that, on September 5 last year, police called at the home address of the defendant’s parents in Enniskillen and conducted a search.

A wrap containing 91 yellow tablets was uncovered under loft insulation, close to the defendant’s room.

O’Reilly subsequently admitted that the tablets were his, adding that he had bought a total of 100 ‘Ecstasy’ tablets at a disco in Portrush.

Police estimated that 100 tablets of ‘Ecstasy’ would have a street value of £500, but the defendant insisted he purchased them for £350.

O’Reilly added that he had an addiction to drugs and was seeking medical help.

Defending solicitor, Garry Smyth, told the court that his client had accepted his issue with drugs and taken steps to address it.

The solicitor said that O’Reilly was no longer living with his parents and regretted the embarrassment caused by the entire scenario.

Mr. Smyth said that the drugs were for the defendant’s own personal use and he had made a “candid admission” when spoken to by police.

He added that O’Reilly had taken steps to engage with the Community Addiction Team and this work was “ongoing”.

In mitigation, the solicitor said that the defendant, who was in employment, was “genuinely remorseful”.

District judge, Nigel Broderick, observed that the case had involved a “significant number” of tablets, but the prosecution were satisfied that the drugs were for the defendant’s own personal use.

The judge also gave credit to O’Reilly for trying to address the drug problem he seemed to have.

Mr. Broderick put the defendant on Probation for 12 months, with the added requirement to attend any alcohol/ drugs counselling programme as directed, and ordered him to do 75 hours of community service.