A TYCROES builder suffering with back problems and fear of open spaces was self-medicating with controlled drugs, a court heard last week.

Michael Paul Bevan of 90 Cwmfferws Road, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and cannabis resin, and a quantity of diazepam at Lampeter on June 24.

The court heard that police spotted cannabis on the front seat of Bevan’s car and a further search revealed diazepam tablets, and 9.5g of cannabis in resin and herbal form, with an estimated value of £40.

The 44 year-old told officers the tablets were to deal with his anxiety and fear of open spaces.

Ruth Meyrick, defending, said: “He fully co-operated with police at the scene and when interviewed.

“He is a builder who suffers with sciatica and back pain and has had two hernias. He uses cannabis as pain relief. He also suffers from anxiety, which is why he had the diazepam.”

Bevan was fined £105 and ordered to pay £85 court costs plus a £20 victim surcharge.

A destruction order was made for the seized drugs.