An unemployed man who was fined for possession of cannabis said he thought he "was allowed a puff now and again".

James Taylor, of Maldon Road, Witham, admitted possession of 123g of cannabis when he appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The 21-year-old had bought the drugs in bulk to save money and was going to smoke it over a period of time, the court heard.

Denise Holland, prosecuting, said police smelled cannabis after stopping Taylor's car and 123g was found in the footwell."

Taylor, who was not represented, said: "I thought it had been legalised." He was fined £150.

Published Friday, February 11, 2005

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