A MAN caught with "a month's supply" of cannabis — bought in bulk to save himself money — appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates.

Melvin Furmidge, 49, of Nelson Road, Newport, admitted possession of drugs, namely cannabis, on March 29.

Police searching his property for other matters discovered cannabis in a bag, in two tins and in a drawer, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Furmidge told officers the amount of drugs he had was a month's supply for his personal use.

He was on probation when the cannabis was found and was previously convicted of cannabis possession in January last year. 

For Furmidge, Michael McGoldrick said his client helped the police by showing them where he kept the drugs.

"He smokes cannabis on occasion and buys it in bulk because it is cheaper," Mr McGoldrick said.

Jobless Furmidge was fined £80, with £85 costs and a £33 surcharge.

When sentencing Furmidge, presiding magistrate, Peter Redding, said: "It may be readily available, but it is still illegal to have cannabis in this country.  

"Keep your nose clean and stay out of trouble."