A man who magistrates heard used cannabis as medication for his depression was fined £100, ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge after he admitted possessing the drug in Upper Sackville Street, Skipton.

Prosecutor Caroline Midgley told the court in Skipton that Kenny Foster sped off on his bicycle after being approached by a police officer on November 27,.

He was found later and handed over a small piece of cannabis valued at about £10.

John Mewies, for Foster, of Willow Way, Carleton, said the 31-year-old had a history of anxiety and took cannabis because it was more effective than his prescribed medication.