A man who was out walking his dog has been convicted of obstructing police.

It was heard in Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday that police were on patrol in the Hillview Road area of Enniskillen on January 22 when an incident occurred.

Ivan Johnston (36), of Drumbeg, Enniskillen, was out walking his dog when he encountered the officers.

The officers detected a strong smell emanating from the defendant, and indicated they would be searching him under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

It was at this stage that Johnston pulled out a small bag from his jacket, as if about to hand it over to the police, only to squeeze it and empty the contents on the ground.

He then swiped at the ground with his foot, so none of the contents could be retrieved.

‘Very foolish’

In his submissions, his solicitor, Gary Black, told the court that Johnston said while he was taking out the item that it was a bit of cannabis, but he made the “very foolish decision” to squeeze the bag, which ultimately meant its contents could not be examined, but he had made an admission.

Mr. Black pointed out there were similar offences in Johnston’s criminal record which were dealt with by fines, adding that the defendant had significant health issues, and he consumed cannabis for medicinal reasons.

Johnston was fined £250.