A POPLEY grandfather has been fined for possession of Class B drugs.

Stephen Swaine, of Cayman Close, Popley pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and amphetamine at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutor Nick Barr told the court that the 63-year-old had been “going about his business” on May 7 when a police officer saw him on a bridge that links Popley and Oakridge.

The police officer searched Swaine, found the drugs and arrested him. Swaine later admitted to the possession, the court heard.

Mr Barr added: “In terms of the quantity or value (of the drugs), I can’t say as the police haven’t given details of that but I can only assume it is a small quantity for personal use.”

Defending Joanne Coomber told the court that Swaine, who has previous convictions, is a drug user but he had been making improvements.

She added: “The offending is what it is and it has reduced in seriousness and in volume over the years.”

Magistrate Anne Willmer ordered Swaine to pay a £70 fine, a £20 victim surcharge and a £180 court charge and ordered the drugs to be destroyed.