A PENSIONER who had cannabis in his vehicle told police he had the drug to help with his back pain.

Barrie Bray, 77, had been subject to a suspended prison sentence for supplying drugs from his Workington launderette when the latest offence took place.  

He admitted possessing a Class B drug when he appeared before Workington Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Outlining the facts, prosecutor Pamela Fee said the defendant was stopped by police while driving a vehicle in Maryport on November 27 last year. He appeared to be hiding something behind him.

A joint of cannabis was found under the driver’s seat and Bray stated it was for his bad back.

During police interview, he admitted the drug was his and he had it for his for his own personal use.

Mike Pope, defending, asked magistrates not to activate the suspended sentence, pointing out the defendant’s advanced years.

“This was two-thirds of the way through the sentence.

“This is as low level as you can get. He fully admitted the joint was his for back pain. They didn’t even have to take him to the police station.

“He has been to Cockermouth to get a joint from a friend of his. He suffers from sciatica. He’s not in receipt of any painkillers.

“He thought, ‘at least I can take some cannabis because nothing else is working’. But the police officer stopped him and here we are.

“There’s no suggestion he is back involved with the darker side of the drugs business. He was dealing drugs from his launderette.

“He knows he’s done wrong. The previous convictions aren’t relevant to this offence.”

Mr Pope said the drug found by police was worth about £5.

Bray, of The Laundry, Nook Street, Workington, was fined £333. He was ordered to pay £85 costs and a £133 victim surcharge.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drug.