A Milford woman who emptied a bag of cannabis from a vehicle when approached by police officers has been charged in court.

Forty-year-old Joanna Louise John of Howarth Close, appeared at Haverfordwest Magistrates Court on Tuesday to plead guilty to a charge of possessing 17.9 grammes of herbal cannabis.

Prosecutor Linda Baker told the court that Miss John was the passenger in a car that was stopped by police officers on the A40 Haverfordwest on March 2, at around 4.30 pm.

“The vehicle was stopped and police officers recognised the passenger Miss John. As officers approached the vehicle, the defendant opened her door and was seen to start to empty a bag that contained cannabis.

“When she was interviewed by police, she gave no comment answers to all questions put before her,” she added.

The court heard that Miss John had been fined earlier this month for cannabis possession.

Defence solicitor Philippa Williams told the court that her client suffered with a pain in her neck and used cannabis to self-medicate.

“She has a slipped disc in her neck, suffers with anxiety and depression, and is also alcohol dependant.

“Miss John had sought more cannabis to self-medicate. She tells me that she is now ready to accept any help available to her to address her problems, and is ready to engage with DDAS – the Dyfed Drug and Alcohol Service,” she added.

Magistrates handed the defendant a 12 month community order with a 15 day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement.

She was fined £120 for the offence and ordered to pay prosecution costs of £85 and a £90 victim surcharge.