A 24-YEAR-OLD man found in possession of illegal drugs during the Hawick Common Riding celebrations has been fined a total of £248 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Ryan Kennan claimed he found a container containing cocaine at the horse racing at Hawick Moor on Friday, June 6.

The 24-year-old of Peta Cottages had been taken into custody in relation to another matter and searched in Rosebank Road.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said that £8 worth of cocaine was seen to fall from his leg as he got into the police van while £20 worth of cannabis was found in his sock.

Defence lawyer Ian Burke said Kennan had found a small silver wrapper at Hawick Moor and while he suspected it was illegal he was surprised it turned out to be cocaine. He added that he accepted the cannabis was his.

Mr Burke said that as a result of the arrest he had lost his job with the council but was now working as a £200-a-week labourer.

Sheriff Kevin Drummond imposed fines totalling £275 for both drugs offences which was reduced to £248 due to the guilty plea.