Probation for Union Mills man who dealt drugs to pay off debts

27-year-old was in a 'financially destitute position and saw it as a way out'

A Union Mills man who dealt drugs to pay off his own drug debts has been ordered to work with the probation service.

Simon Fletcher, of Snugborough Avenue, was travelling along New Castletown Road in Douglas, at 5.25pm on 19 February, when an off-duty police officer noticed a strong smell coming from the car.

The 27-year-old was in the passenger seat when it was intercepted by officers, on Station Road in Ballasalla, 10 minutes later.

Fletcher told police he had 'about an ounce' of cannabis on him.

Officers found 62.8g of the drug, worth £1,256 in the car, and a further 11.6g of cannabis bush, worth £232, at his home address.

They also discovered 8.7g of MDMA, valued at £348, which he claimed was for personal use.

During sentencing at Douglas Courthouse Fletcher's advocate told the court he was in a "financially destitute position and saw it as a way out".

The court heard that he was attempting to pay off a drug debt of £2,000 and that he was dealing to a 'close circle of friends'.

Ordering Fletcher to work with the probation service for 12 months, and to pay prosecution costs, magistrates told him: "Your remorse is clear."