TT visitors charged with drugs offences

Northamptonshire residents stopped at Ramsey Hairpin

Four TT visitors from Northamptonshire have appeared in court today after being charged with drugs offences.

Adam James Gardner and Michael Dillon Gardner joined Shannon Jade Ludlow and Mason Stevens in the dock at Douglas Courthouse.  

Mr Adam Gardner, of Fullingdale Road in Abington, has been charged with producing cocaine and cannabis and possession of both substances with intent to supply.

The 29-year-old will be bailed until his next court appearance on 25 June on the condition a £15,000 surety is lodged on his behalf.

He was stopped alongside his brother, at Ramsey Hairpin, on 2 June.

Michael Gardner pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis on that date – the court heard he was found with 9.8 grams of the drug valued at £196.

His advocate told the court it was for the 21-year-old’s personal use and although he knew it was illegal he didn’t realise how seriously drugs offences were taken on the Island.

Deputy High Bailiff Rachael Braidwood fined him £325 and ordered him to pay £125 in prosecution costs immediately or spend 30 days in custody.

Twenty-nine-year-old Shannon Ludlow, of The Grove in Moulton, was also stopped with the two men.

She admitted being unlawfully concerned in the production of 29 grams of cannabis with her advocate telling the court: “She knows this was a stupid decision on her part.”

Fining her £600 and ordering her to pay £125 in prosecution costs or face 45 days in custody the deputy high bailiff told her: “Drug trafficking offences are taken very seriously in the Isle of Man.”

Their friend, 22-year-old Mason Stevens of Broadway East in Abington, also pleaded guilty to possessing 4.8 grams of cannabis.

The court heard he was arrested outside Police Headquarters on 3 June.

Stevens was handed a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £125 in prosecution costs or face 10 days in custody.