A cannabis smoker for 30 years uses the drug to help with sleep or his appetite, a court heard. Police saw Minas Bontas, 43, of Beckenham Road, Radford, smoking the drug in Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, on Saturday, August 27, last year.
He had a cannabis joint on the frame of his bicycle, Nottingham Crown Court heard on Wednesday (March 1). A search revealed a small amount of cannabis in a pouch inside a man bag.
The court was told Bontas, who pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis, admitted he had smoked it for 30 years. He was homeless at the time and living in a hotel after losing his privately-rented accommodation.
His cannabis use was dependent on whether he could sleep, and it helps him with his appetite. He does work as a delivery driver for various companies.
Every time Bontas has been convicted of possessing cannabis, he has been fined. But Judge Mark Watson, who dealt with him today, refused to fine him, adding: "He has had four fines and continues to offend in this way".
He imposed a 12-month community order, with 80 hours of unpaid work, and included orders to pay costs of £85 and a victim surcharge.
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