A man has been given 100 hours community service by the High Bailiff and placed on probation for two years.

25 year old Alexander Charles Messenger of Rhen Whyllin Close, Port St Mary, appeared for sentence after admitting possessing heroin and possessing a prohibited article in a public place.

Beth Espey has the details:

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Three 'wraps' of heroin were found in the defendant's bedroom at a house he was staying at in Port Erin on December 22nd.

The heroin weighed 0.1 grammes. Also found in the defendant's bedroom was a pipe for smoking heroin and a set of scales.

On December 16th the defendant was detained in Ballafesson Road, Port Erin, and searched. A small straight bladed knife was found on his person, which he claimed he used for cutting up meat for his dog.

His advocate said that before he was arrested for the drug offence, Messenger was seeking help and assistance from the drug and alcohol unit, and he was now only on prescribed medication.

In addition to the sentence, Mr Moyle ordered Messenger to be subjected to random drug tests between two and four times a month until he was absolutely clear of any drugs.