A TEENAGER caught in possession of cannabis while visiting a Lancaster youth custody centre has been put behind bars for three months.

Michael Brennan had the drugs hidden in a sock and had called at Lancaster Farms under a false name.

The 19 year old from Farringdon Crescent appeared for sentence at Preston Crown Court having earlier pleaded guilty to possessing a drug with intent to supply.

Mr Richard Hunt, prosecuting, said the defendant was 18 at the time of the offence in March. He went to visit an inmate at Lancaster Farms, giving his name as Danny Burns.

The young offenders institution had signs up warning members of the public that drugs should not be taken in and that people could be searched. Brennan was stopped by a prison officer and asked whether he had any substances on him. He replied "no." He was then searched and a rubber wrap was found in his sock. It contained 1.01 grammes of cannabis.

Mr Russell Davies, defending, said Brennan may not have appreciated at the time the consequences of taking even a small amount of cannabis to such a place.

"He understands now the reason why courts invariably impose sentences of custody when they are dealing with even small amounts of cannabis being taken into prison."

Passing a three month youth custody sentence, Judge Andrew Baker said it was now plain to the defendant why courts regarded taking drugs into prison so seriously.

He said: "They are of course the currency in prisons and cause enormous difficulties for those who administer our prisons."

He added that custody was the only appropriate sentence.

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