Incident in Prudhoe
An 18-year-old man from Prudhoe has been sentenced following an encounter with police that led to the discovery of illicit cannabis products and a prohibited weapon. Liam Manuel appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court after officers spotted him attempting to flee the scene on December 2, 2025.
Upon detaining Manuel, officers recovered a discarded backpack from a nearby garden. Inside, they found multiple boxes of vapes containing approximately 21g of THC liquid. A subsequent search of the teenager's home in Errington Place led to the discovery of a stun gun disguised as a pen, which Manuel claimed he had purchased at a car boot sale without understanding its nature.
Legal Outcome
Manuel pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and possession of an electrical incapacitation device. The court heard that the defendant, who had no prior convictions, had never used the weapon. Magistrates handed down a 12-month community order, including 50 hours of unpaid work, alongside £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges surrounding the unregulated market for cannabis-infused products in the UK. While the defendant faced criminal charges for possession, the incident underscores the lack of quality control and safety standards within the illicit market, where users are often unaware of the contents or potency of the products they purchase.
Source: Chronicle Live
