A SANDOWN man has been spared a more serious sentence after being caught in possession of both heroin and cannabis.
Matthew Lewendon, of Fort Street, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday (March 25).
The 50-year-old admitted possession of both heroin and cannabis, on February 12.
Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court Lewendon had been arrested on another matter on the day in question.
He was searched, and small quantities of both drugs were found in his possession.
The court heard Lewendon was last seen in court back in 2020, when he was jailed for a dissimilar matter.
His last drug-related offence was back in 2019.
Barry Arnett, defending, referred magistrates to a positive report from Lewendon’s probation officer.
The bench was told Lewendon had a long history of mental health problems and substance misuse, but was motivated to address the issues he faced.
The court heard his latest offence was a blip, as opposed to a return to previous behaviours.
Magistrates opted to sentence outside of their guidelines, and handed Lewendon an 18-month conditional discharge.
Court costs were waived, but he was ordered to pay a £22 surcharge.
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A SANDOWN man has been spared a more serious sentence after being caught in possession of both heroin and cannabis.
Matthew Lewendon, of Fort Street, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Friday (March 25).
The 50-year-old admitted possession of both heroin and cannabis, on February 12.
Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court Lewendon had been arrested on another matter on the day in question.
He was searched, and small quantities of both drugs were found in his possession.
The court heard Lewendon was last seen in court back in 2020, when he was jailed for a dissimilar matter.
His last drug-related offence was back in 2019.
Barry Arnett, defending, referred magistrates to a positive report from Lewendon’s probation officer.
The bench was told Lewendon had a long history of mental health problems and substance misuse, but was motivated to address the issues he faced.
The court heard his latest offence was a blip, as opposed to a return to previous behaviours.
Magistrates opted to sentence outside of their guidelines, and handed Lewendon an 18-month conditional discharge.
Court costs were waived, but he was ordered to pay a £22 surcharge.
