A local man was unaware of a warrant for his arrest until he read about it in his local newspaper.

Sebastion Thomas Turner, aged 20, of Awelfa, Drefach Felindre, appeared before Aberystwyth magistrates on Wednesday.

He pleaded guilty to possession of 1.2 grams of herbal cannabis in Wind Street, Llandysul, on October 27.

The court heard that Turner was due to appear before magistrates on February 4, and a warrant was issued when he failed to attend the hearing.

Alan Lewis, defending, said his client had moved address and was unaware that he had needed to be in court, but had surrendered voluntarily when it came to his attention.

Mr Lewis said: “He did not know about the warrant or the hearing until he read about it in the local newspaper.”

Vaughan Pritchard-Jones, prosecuting, told the court that police spoke to Turner while investigating another matter, and detected a smell of cannabis emanating from his clothing. He then produced a small bag containing the drug from his pocket.

Mr Lewis said: “He made a full and frank admission in interview. The police called next door to his home and he answered the door to assist them. They smelt cannabis and he said ' yes, here it is'."

He added that Turner used cannabis to relieve anxiety.

Magistrates imposed a six month conditional discharge and ordered Turner to pay £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

A destruction order was made for the seized drugs.