These are the latest cases and convictions from Blackpool Magistrates' Court - Monday, February 17, 2020

Dwaine Heywood, 37, possessing class B drug

A man found with a jar and three bags of cannabis in his flat said he used the drug as medicine.

Dwaine Heywood, 37, of Talbot Road, Blackpool, pleaded guilty to illegally possessing the class B drug. He was fined £129 with £85 costs and £32 victims’ surcharge.

Magistrates ordered the drugs to be destroyed.

Prosecutor Pam Smith said police were called to investigate an incident at Heywood’s home on January 26 when they found the drugs, which the defendant said he bought for £600 from a stranger.

Heywood, who had a previous conviction for possessing cannabis, told the court he suffered from depression and used cannabis as a way to ease his symptoms. He said he had been using the drug for 15 years and smoked around £30 worth sometimes.

Ivanciu Bonculescu, 31, drink-driving

A man facing extradition proceedings was caught drink-driving.

Ivanciu Boncuiescu, 31, a Romanian factory worker of Mather Street, Blackpool, was stopped near the M55 turn-off on the M6 because police officers suspected he was speeding, the court was told.

He failed a breath test and admitted drink-driving during his appearance before magistrates, who were told Boncuiescu was on bail because he faces extradition proceedings.

His lawyer Allan Cobain said: “He had been to a family part in Preston. As a term of his bail, he must be in his home from midnight.”

Boncuiescu was fined £120 and told to pay £117 in costs. He was also banned from driving for 14 months.

Daniel Haslam, 18, criminal damage

A teen caused hundreds of pounds of damage to cars after drinking and being taunted by youths.

Jobless Daniel Haslam, 18, of Carshalton Road, North Shore, pleaded guilty to three counts of causing damage. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with up to 20 days’ rehabilitation to be supervised by the probation service. He was also told to pay £700 compensation.

Prosecutor Pam Smith said a witness saw Haslam damage three cars in Egerton Road on January 26.

A Citroen Picasso and Renault Clio had their back windows smashed, while a Mazda had its door dented.

The prosecutor said: “It was somewhat of a spree of damage.”

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said his client, who had no previous convictions, suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and took medication for anxiety and depression.

On the night of Haslam’s offences, he had been drinking and, after getting separated from his brother, had no way to get home.

He decided to walk but, on the way home, was taunted by three to four youths who shouted abuse at him.

Upset and angry, Haslam took it out on the cars, which he regretted, Mr Nelligan said.

Terri Westhead, 32, theft

A woman stole turkey crowns and gammon joints in the run-up to Christmas because she had no access to her money, the court was told.

Terri Westhead, 32, formerly of Claremont Court, North Shore, and now of Haig Road, South Shore, pleaded guilty to stealing £83 of food.

She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £21 victims’ surcharge.

Prosecutor Pam Smith said Westhead went into Heron Foods, in Victoria Road West Cleveleys, and put the meat into carrier bags before leaving the shop without paying on December 20.

She was caught on the store’s CCTV system and, when interviewed by police, said she had been stupid and apologised.

Westhead had a record of seven previous crimes of theft and similar offences.

Patrick Nelligan, defending, said his client’s benefits money was paid into a friend’s bank account.

In the run-up to Christmas, the friend travelled abroad, leaving Westhead unable to access her cash.