A BURRY Port teenager who was caught with cannabis by police claims he intended to take the drug to avoid getting into trouble with his friends.
Bradley Christopher Evans, of New Street, who pleaded guilty to possessing 28.95 grams of the Class B drug while appearing before town magistrates, said it was a better alternative than going to Carmarthen and getting into a fight.
The court heard that on February 16 at 6pm, police approached a Ford Fiesta at Burry Port Harbour and could smell the substance coming from the vehicle.
On inspection, the officers found just over an ounce of the drug in the car, and during interview, Evans later admitted it was his and that he paid £190 for it.
Prosecuting, Ellie Morgan said: "He said that his mates were going to Carmarthen that night and would end up fighting so he would rather stay in and smoke cannabis and stay out of trouble."
Mitigating, Gareth Jones encouraged magistrates to give the 18-year-old — who the court heard received a warning for mephedrone possession last September — credit for his early guilty plea.
Mr Jones said: "He says he has been smoking cannabis for 18 months and purchased in bulk because it was cheaper.
"He is currently seeking help from counsellors and is actively trying to address his drug use.
Honest
"He is sticking to his appointments and his drug use has since decreased dramatically. He has been honest and says he still takes the drug but is trying to stop."
Mr Jones added that Evans was currently in college, training to be a painter decorator and that the future was looking bright for him.
He said: "He has experienced waiting in the foyer of the court today and it has brought home to him how difficult it would be for him in future if he keeps re-offending."
Magistrates fined Evans £110 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.