A WEST Cumbrian man was fined after he admitted possessing Xanax which he bought online.

Andrew Wells Cowler, 38, of Sea View, Parton, Whitehaven, appeared at the magistrates court in Workington on Friday and pleaded guilty to possessing the class C drug.

Diane Jackson, prosecuting, told magistrates that police officers searched Cowler and found a bag with 18 Xanax tablets. When interviewed by police, he told them he bought them for his anxiety and depression.

He said he had been prescribed Diazepam but bought the Xanax online as he felt the prescribed medication was not effective. Mrs Jackson said Cowler told officers he had the tablets on him as he'd fallen out with his girlfriend and had been asked to leave. He added he took the Xanax as and when he felt he needed it.

Ian Nancollis, defending, said: "Mr Cowler had been under quite a lot of stress at home, which resulted in his girlfriend inviting him to leave."

Mr Nancollis added the defendant admitted buying the drugs was a mistake and he could have simply gone to his GP.

Cowler was fined £65 and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £85 costs.