A 48-year-old man struggling with drug addiction and homelessness has appeared in custody at Bath Magistrates’ Court after being found with 0.09 grams of crack cocaine.
Mohammed Ismail’s appearance in court on Wednesday 21st January came after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month for failing to attend court in relation to the drugs offence.
The prosecutor told the magistrates that after viewing Ismail’s behaviour on CCTV in the city centre on 27th August last year, he had been stopped and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
He was found to be in possession of wraps and the small amount of the Class A drug.
Duty solicitor Guene Browne, representing Ismail, told the court of the “very difficult time” he has been having.
He had worked as a chef for 22 years, but an arm injury meant he could no longer do his job. He has been homeless since November, and although he has an address where he can collect post, he hadn’t received notification of his court appearance.
Ms Browne said Ismail has been living rough, including in an estate agent’s doorway and in a tent. He has been seeking help from DHI (Developing Health & Independence) for his drug addiction.
The court also heard that Ismail’s court appearance that day meant he’d missed an appointment with Curo regarding housing.
The magistrates said they noted Ismail’s difficult circumstances and that the amount of crack cocaine found in his possession had been small. They told him they were pleased he is getting help for his addiction.
They fined him £40 with a £16 surcharge and £44 prosecution costs. The bench also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the crack cocaine.
