POLICE raided the home of a seriously ill Isle of Wight man and found a wrap of cannabis, a court was told. 

Martin Stringer, of Regent Street, Shanklin, admitted possession of cannabis on March 17, when he appeared at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Friday (19).

Police executed a search warrant at his address and found a wrap containing cannabis, said David Logan-Rose, prosecuting.

Stringer's previous convictions include 15 other drug-related offences, the bench was told.

For Stringer, Oscar Vincent said: "A search warrant was executed by the police, but nothing was found consistent with the supply of cannabis.

"All they found was a small amount of the drug for personal use."

The court was told 58-year-old Stringer was seriously ill. 

"He used cannabis for pain and to combat anxiety and depression. He was fully co-operative with the police and about his cannabis use," Mr Vincent added.

Stringer is addressing cannabis and alcohol misuse through help agencies on the Island, Mr Vincent added.

Stringer was fined £80, with £85 costs and a £32 surcharge.