A SYMINGTON man has been fined £500 for supplying cannabis resin, a class B drug, from his home.

Trever Swallow, of Dankeith Drive, admitted supplying the drug on December 18 last year. He appeared before Sheriff John Montgomery at Ayr Sheriff Court on Tuesday, April 19.

The court heard officers had attended his home address with a search warrant and found 76.5 grams of cannabis resin with a street value of £380.

Swallow was taken to the police station and interviewed where he admitted that the cannabis belonged to him and that he indented to supply some to a friend.

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, Tony Currie, said: "He is already on a community payback order."

Sheriff Montgomery questioned: "Now what for? It is not clear."

Mr Currie explained: "He was seriously drunk and tried to get into a licensed premise to buy alcohol.

"There has been a substantial use of cannabis over many years. About the time of this offence he was using exact amounts of cannabis - about 30 grams had been taken over some period of time.

"He and his friend were collaborating together for two to three weeks but when the police found him he had fallen out with his friend and had not had the time to take his friends share to him.

"His plea was tendered on March 23. Obviously the use of the substance had been quite significant but he is not using it at all now. He has removed himself from cannabis and alcohol use and is making some progress.

"The reality is he will not be able to complete unpaid work. He is in crutches for a condition that affects his skin which means he cannot work."

Sheriff Montgomery was not impressed: "I want to know if he can do work today. The report says he is fit to do work today but you are saying he is not. Is he medically fit?"

Defence Tony Currie responded: "He is fit physically but not mentally."

Sheriff Montgomery addressed Swallow: "How much did you earn from the cannabis?"

Swallow replied: "Just under £200. [a month]"

Montgomery questioned: "Will that last you a for a couple of weeks."

Montgomery fined Swallow £500 wanted to pay £30 per fortnight but the Sheriff was not impressed stating: "He just told me he gets £200 a month on cannabis and he wants to pay £30 per fortnight?"

It was agreed Swallow would pay the fine in fortnightly instalments of £60 from May 3.