Drugs arrest a much-needed ‘wake-up call’ (From Worcester News)

Drugs arrest a much-needed ‘wake-up call’

12:10pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By James Connell

A MAN caught with cannabis and brought to the ground after he tried to run from police is a ‘changed man’ says his solicitor.

Paul Lucitt, aged 23, of Portefields Road, Tolladine, Worcester, admitted being in possession of cannabis when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

He was stopped by police on August 10 and was found to have in his possession 5.57g of cannabis, some of which was recovered following a later search of his home.

The court was told how plain clothes officers were on patrol when they approached Lucitt who was sitting on a wall and told them he was waiting for someone.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, said Lucitt appeared to be ‘slightly nervous’ and was detained for a search. He produced two wraps of a green herbal substance and told officers it was cannabis for his own personal use.

He said: “He broke free of the officers and ran off at that stage. After a short pursuit he was caught and taken to the floor.”

His mobile phone had been discarded and this was recovered by the officers. A search then took place at his home address where further wraps were recovered which were later identified as cannabis skunk.

The court was told how Lucitt had 34 offences recorded against him, one of which was for a previous drugs matter of producing cannabis.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Lucitt had been using cannabis for the last 18 months. He grew two to three plants to produce cannabis for his own use, Mr Sheward said.

He said: “It was never suggested that he was going to supply that to anyone else. His arrest was a wake-up call. He recognised he needed to do something with his life. The use of cannabis had made him lethargic and unmotivated. He’s found himself a job and he feels more motivated and he looks forward to going to work. He’s changed his life significantly. This is a changed man.”

Magistrates decided to send him to the crown court for sentence. The next hearing is at Worcester Crown Court on February 15. He was granted unconditional bail until then.