Man turned to drugs after losing job in pandemic

POLICE found cannabis in a Redfield man’s car after he fell into drug use during lockdown.

Shafie Mahamud, of Avonvale Road, said he turned to substances after he lost his job and his mother became seriously ill with coronavirus.

The 24-year-old attended Bristol Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday and admitted possession of 3.2g of cannabis.

Mahamud was caught on February 8 with the Class B drug in his Kia – which he says he had been living in on Bath Road, Brislington.

Prosecutor Sandra Massiah said: “Officers stopped the blue Kia ProCeed due to police having previous knowledge of the vehicle being involved in Covid breaches.

“The defendant was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. While talking with him, PC Sweet noticed drug paraphernalia in the form of a cannabis grinder and rolling paper.”

Police searched the car and found cannabis in a red tub in the centre console, which Mahamud admitted was for personal use.

Representing himself, Mahamud added he was “going through a rough time” and he saw cannabis as “the answer” to his anxiety, but now realises it “wasn’t the best of choices”.

He was issued with an £80 fine and must also pay a £34 victim services surcharge and prosecution costs of £85.