Robin Prior from Watlington caught with cannabis at The Walks bandstand in King’s Lynn

An 18-year-old wound up in court after being caught with a Class B drug in a town bandstand.

Robin Prior, of Paige Close in Watlington, appeared at Lynn Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with possession of cannabis.

He pleaded guilty to the offence, which he committed on May 23 this year.

Crown prosecutor Colette Harper told magistrates that on that date, CCTV footage captured Prior entering the bandstand at The Walks in Lynn. He took cannabis from his bag and began to mould it into a cigarette.

Police were subsequently called, and upon conducting a search officers found a joint underneath Prior’s leg. A clear bag containing more of the drug was then found in his bag.

He was arrested and admitted that the 3.8g uncovered was for his own use, saying he wanted to smoke it after a day at college.

Prior appeared in court because he had previously been handed a 12 month community resolution order for a similar offence, but had breached that.

In mitigation, George Sorrell said: “You will have noted from the outline from the prosecution that he was completely honest and frank with the police as well.”

The solicitor then told magistrates that although Prior suffers with “difficulties”, he had prepared a statement to be read to them.

“He is apprehensive about coming to court, but takes the process seriously. It is a very good sign for someone of 18 years of age,” Mr Sorrell said.

“He is worried he might say the wrong thing and end up being punished even more. In a sense, he is quite perceptive.”

He added that Prior was coming off the back of a “particularly difficult year” at the time of his offence, and felt that cannabis “would help that”.

Magistrates, led by Alan Hayes, handed Prior a 12 month conditional discharge.

He will also pay £145 in legal costs and a £26 victim surcharge.