Former soldier caught with £850 of cannabis

36-year-old admits possessing Class B substance

A former soldier from Ballaugh has been fined after being caught with more than £850 worth of cannabis.  

Robert John Gaines, of Ballacrosha, admitted possessing the Class B drug during an appearance at Douglas Courthouse.

Police raided the 36-year-old’s home, just before 11pm, on 3 September last year; they found 42.8 grams of the substance in several jars.

Gaines – who spent a decade in the army and completed tours to Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria - was arrested and told officers he used the drug daily.

Explaining that Gaines was using it as pain relief, but is now seeking a prescription for medicinal cannabis, his advocate told the court: “We appreciate the quantity is not insignificant."

Fining Gaines £650 Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood also ordered him to pay prosecution costs of £50.