Adam Johnson, 26, of Cronk Y Voddy on the Isle of Man, was given an 11-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months at Douglas Courthouse after admitting cannabis supply, pregabalin supply, money laundering and drug-driving.[1] He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, two counts of possession of Pregabalin with intent to supply, money laundering, and driving while over the prescribed limit.[1] Deemster Cook told him: “I’m going to give you an opportunity to prove to everybody that you can leave crime behind you and get on with the rest of your life.”[1] Johnson was also made subject to an 18-month supervision order and was banned from driving for two years.[1]

Officers on patrol on the main road in Greeba stopped him on 8 December while he was driving a Volkswagen Golf under the influence of drugs, pulling him over at the Glen Helen car park.[1] He appeared agitated and the car smelled of cannabis, and he failed a roadside drug wipe.[1] A blood sample later tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.[2]

A search of the car found blister packs holding 220 Pregabalin tablets worth £880.[1] Police valued the cannabis found at his home at £3,638; Manx Radio reported the weight as 181.9 grams.[3] The search of his home also found a further 79 Pregabalin tablets, worth £316, and £5,465 in cash.[1] His defence advocate said there was nothing to suggest his driving had been particularly poor and described him as a young man who still needed help with his drug problem.[1] Johnson must take an extended test before regaining his licence.[1]