HOPES for a 21st birthday celebration ended disastrously for a man who decided to carry cannabis for his big night out.

As Aiden Sloss appeared in the dock at Carlisle’s Rickergate court, his defence lawyer pointed out that he had spent a night in police cells and feared he “might not get the key to the door” following his prosecution.

Magistrates heard that the defendant was a passenger in a car that was travelling on the M6 near Carlisle when police made a stop check.

“There was a strong smell of cannabis in the car,” prosecutor George Shelley told magistrates. “The officers asked who had the cannabis and Mr Sloss said it was him who had it.

“It’s his 21st birthday today.”

Defence lawyer Kate Hunter said the defendant was arrested on the afternoon before his court appearance and spent the night in police custody in Carlisle. It was the first time he had ever been arrested.

“It was distressing for him,” said Miss Hunter.

Having assured the defendant that he faced a possible fine rather than being locked up for possessing the class B drug, which he admitted, Sloss was clearly relieved, Miss Hunter told magistrates.

She said: “He was concerned he might not be getting the key to the door today. His night in custody seems to have had an impact on him.”

Magistrates imposed a conditional discharge along with costs of £85 and a £26 victim surcharge.

Presiding magistrate Jeff Forster told the defendant: “We’re imposing no direct punishment. We take into account that you have spent a night at His Majesty’s pleasure. Don’t do it again.”

As the case ended, the magistrate added: “And happy birthday.”

Sloss, from Buchanan Avenue, Balloch, Alexandria, West Dunbartonshire, thanked the magistrates.

Police seized just 2g of cannabis from the defendant.