By 
AN Omagh man was detected in possession of cocaine on Boxing Day last year.
Shane Declan McConnell (35) of Meelmore Drive was fined £350 at the town’s Magistrates Court. His last offending was in 2016.
The court was told police went to an address shortly after midnight on December 26 and spoke to McConnell.
During a search a small bag of white powder was found in his wallet.
He admitted it was the Class A drug. During police interview he said he purchased cocaine earlier in the evening for £35.
Defence solicitor, Michael Fahy, stated that McConnell had no relevant convictions
on his record. He added that it was a ‘nominal’ amount and police were dealing with a separate matter when the offence came to light.
District Judge, Peter Prenter gave the defendant credit for admitting the offence to police, adding that he ‘probably had little option’.
Judge Prenter said, “He has a poor record to say the least.”