A YOUTH worker who admitted two drugs offences arising from a search of his mother's Ardoyne home has been placed under probation.
Joseph Terence Francis McAllister, from Cranbrook Gardens in Belfast, was also ordered to undertake 60 hours community service by Her Honour Judge McCaffrey.
The 28-year old father of five - who Belfast Crown Court heard was a full time warehouse operative and a part-time youth worker - admitted both possessing the Class A drug cocaine and also being concerned in the supply of the Class B drug cannabis.
The charges arose following a police search of his mother's home on January 29 2015. During the search, officers located a Samsung mobile in the living room, and a bag containing white powder in an upstairs cupboard.
When the mobile was examined, there were texts from people seeking to obtain drugs from the defendant, the court heard. These covered a period from January 11 to 27 2015, and related solely to the cannabis.
The 13.6 grams of white powder, which was later identified as cocaine, had an estimated street value of £500. The Crown accepted the cocaine was for McAllister's personal use.
When interviewed the following month, McAllister made a largely 'no comment' interview.
Defence barrister Johnny Brown revealed that when the charges against McAllister came to light, the management committee at the youth club suspended him. However, references from the youth club described McAllister as honest, dependable and caring for young people in the community.
Telling the court that McAllister bought the cocaine for £150, Mr Brown said the amount of cannabis supplied to his friends was "limited".
