Cannabis user given discharge by court

A South Tyneside cannabis user was given an absolute discharge and left court with no prosecution costs – despite pleading guilty to possessing the illegal drug.
By Gareth Crickmer
Published 20th Nov 2019, 06:00 BST
Updated 20th Nov 2019, 10:28 BST
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Magistrates in South Tyneside heard Waseem Chaudry, 49, used the banned substance to self-medicate to relieve long-term anxiety issues.

Chaudry, of St Vincent Street, South Shields, was stopped by police in Boldon on September 11 and found with a quantity for personal use. He pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a Class B drug.

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Prosecutor Paul Anderson said: “This is a straight-forward matter. He is seen by police. Mr Chaudry self-medicates because of anxiety issues.”

Joanne Gatens, defending, said:

“Mr Chaudry has significant mental problems.”