'˜It will pickle your brain,' magistrate warns drug user

Arran Wainwright jumped over a wall in a desperate bid to flee the scene after police were called to reports of a number of people running from a building site in Hebburn.

When they caught up with the 22-year-old, they found he was carrying a small jar of cannabis and a grinder.

Wainwright, of Auckland Road, Hebburn, admitted possession of the drug at South Tyneside Magistrates Court and was hit with a £100 bill.

He was told by magistrates that the damage to his health could serve as a far greater punishment if he doesn’t change his ways.

Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: “Police had been called to Glen Street, Hebburn at 10.20pm on Friday, February 5 after reports of youths running from a building. Wainwright jumped over a wall and ran away but was met by a police vehicle. He was found with a glass jar with cannabis inside and said it was for his own personal use.”

Kevin Smallcombe, defending, said: “The cannabis granules he had were worth coppers but he knows he isn’t allowed to smoke cannabis.”

Gary Cracknell, chair of the magistrates, said: “You should know better. If you keep this up, it will just pickle your brain.

“You should see the state of some of the people we see who use cannabis. Take our advice and get off it.”

Wainwright was given a six-month conditional discharge and must pay costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.