Nghtokorua Tua Aurupa, 54, McPhillamy Avenue, Gormans Hill did not appear before Bathurst Local Court on April 29 to answer the charge,.

Instead he submitted a written plea of guilt on the charge, which was heard before magistrate Cate Follent.

The court heard how at about 12.20pm on April 1 police attended Centrelink on Russell Street Bathurst after receiving information that the accused was at the facility and in possession of a prohibited drug.

Police attended and saw the accused sitting in the waiting area of Centrelink. They introduced themselves and questioned him about the possession of cannabis leaf.

The accused told officers he was in possession of a small amount of cannabis leaf before police searched the accused.

Aurupa handed police two small foils and a resealable plastic bag containing cannabis leaf.

Nothing further was found and police offered the accused the opportunity to participate in an interview, which he declined.

Officers took the cannabis leaf to the Bathurst police station for processing and sealed 2.5 grams of cannabis leaf in a NSW Police registered drug bag.

In a written plea of guilt the accused said he had been homeless for last two months and last week was down and unwell. He said the drug was for personal use.

Police facts tendered to the court asked that the drugs be destroyed at the finalisation of the matter.

Aurupa was convicted on the matter. The court fined him $400.