Police told a Portland man: “You stink of cannabis, go away,” before arresting him for possession after he would not leave.

Paul Fitzpatrick aged 59, and of New Road on Portland appeared before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, February 16.

He pleaded guilty to possessing a quantity of cannabis, a controlled drug of class B, on St Thomas Street in Weymouth.

Elizabeth Valera, prosecuting, said: "At 2am on January 6, a police officer spoke to a woman when the defendant got involved.

"He said 'I am a citizen I am entitled to hear what is going on'.

"A police officer told him 'you stink of cannabis, go away'.

“After he once again refused to leave, he was arrested by police.

"He was searched and police found one gram of cannabis on his person and a further six grams in his bag."

Fitzpatrick, who was unrepresented, said in his defence: “I have struggled with alcohol all of my adult life.

“I use cannabis due to scarring on my liver meaning it is not wise for me to drink.

“I accept (cannabis) is illegal here but it is a healthier alternative to alcohol.

“It is the lesser of two evils."

Fitzpatrick was ordered to pay an £80 fine, court costs of £40 and a surcharge of £32.

Mrs Bull, chair of the Magistrates' Bench, also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs taken from the defendant.