An Isle of Wight man found at the wheel of his car in possession of a large quantity of cocaine, wrapped up in tin foil, hidden inside his pockets, has been fined.

Adrian Palmer, of Southfield Gardens, Ryde, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled drug of Class A, namely cocaine, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, October 10.

Lauren Stone, prosecuting, said the 34-year-old came to the attention of police on September 18, 2021, due to his vehicle being parked on double yellow lines on Melville Street in Ryde.

Ms Stone told the court Palmer was found in the driver’s seat with the engine running.
Police searched Palmer and found cocaine wrapped in foil, hidden in his pockets, said the prosecution, which all together totalled 22.67g.

Michael McGoldrick, defending, said his client was homeless at the time and was using cocaine to help through those difficult times.

Mr McGoldrick told the court Palmer had won some money gambling and had bought a bulk load of cocaine because it worked out cheaper, and he intended to use the drug for his own use.

Magistrates fined Palmer £300 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £34 surcharge.