A CASTLEISLAND man who was ' experimenting with drugs' with his friends last March when he was searched by gardaí has been ordered to pay 500 to the court poor box to avoid a conviction.

Barry Fitzgerald of 16 Townbwee, Castleisland, was charged at Castleisland District Court on Thursday with unlawful possession of drugs following a search of his car on March 24 last.

The court heard that garda attention was brought to a car with four occupants at Doolague North and officers noticed a number of broken cigarettes and cigarette paper. Superintendent Michael Maher said that during the search of the car a small bag of cannabis was found, which the defendant admitted was his. The value of the find was between 25 and 30.

Solicitor Pat Enright said that the group of friends had bought the drugs between them and that his client, who was 18 at the time, was experimenting an has not used the drugs since. He added that he has never been in trouble before and comes from a good family.

Mr Fitzgerald was given until July 22 to make his 500 to the court poor box.