A MAN found in possession of cannabis was given a conditional discharge by city magistrates.

Kyle Mitchell, of Margaret Road, Ledbury, pleaded guilty to being in possession of the class B drug last week.

Hereford Magistrates Court heard police searched Mitchell's address on the evening of December 30 2016 and found a small amount of green herbal substance in his left trouser pocket.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said Mitchell was then interviewed under caution and accepted he was in possession of cannabis.

Emily Gourley, defending, said the 22-year-old worked as a self-employed labourer and was sometimes unable to work because of the weather.

He had not been in trouble before, apart from one offence, the court heard, and since then, had been trying to stop using cannabis entirely and was settled with a long-term girlfriend.

Mrs Gourley said Mitchell did not use cannabis at all while he was working and only smoked it when he had time off.

"He believed he would never find himself before the court again but has done," she said. "After today is over he is leaving it behind him."

Magistrates said it was 'great' that Mitchell was trying to get his life back in order and sentenced him to a 12-month conditional discharge.

He was ordered to pay £185 costs and a £20 victim surcharge. They also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.