A MAN has been convicted and fined for the possession of a prohibited drug after police driving past him caught him holding a plastic bag containing cannabis.
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Warren William Chaplin, 58, of Culnane Place, Kelso, appeared in person before Magistrate Cate Follent in Bathurst Local Court charged with the possession of a prohibited drug.
He pleaded guilty to the charge and was convicted and fined $700.
Police facts tendered to the court told how at 11.20am on March 13, police found Chaplin in possession of 17 grams of cannabis leaf.
Police were patrolling past the accused's home address in Culnane Place, Kelso, when they observed the accused standing at the front fence.
At the time he had a clear resealable bag in his left hand and was talking to a woman.
Police approached the accused and introduced themselves, asking for identification. They asked him what was in his hand.
Chaplin showed them a clear resealable plastic bag and stated to officers it contained cannabis. Police cautioned him and asked him further questions.
He gave the police permission to search his house in relation to the supply of prohibited drugs which was recorded on a hand-held digital recording.
The accused showed police to a cupboard situated in his lounge room and pointed to a pewter mug that contained 12 clear re-sealable bags containing cannabis.
Police cautioned Chaplin, who told police it was his cannabis and it was for personal use. Nothing further was located inside the house.
At 11.35am the accused participated in a hand-held digital recording, where he made full admissions to the cannabis being his and for his own personal use.
The accused further stated to police that he purchased the cannabis on a monthly basis.
He said he divided it up and put it in individual bags so the cannabis would last him the month.
Police seized the drugs and weighed the cannabis which totalled 17 grams, and charged the accused with the matter.