A TEENAGER, who was stopped by police during a routine car check, was found in possession of cannabis, a court was told.

Mark Redden and five friends were travelling through Sunderland in a Renault Clio when police carried out a check.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how the 18-year-old was stopped by officers at about 9pm on April 13.

Police were unhappy with details he gave them and Redden was arrested.

Tom Moran, prosecuting, said the teenager was taken to a police station and was seen to take something from his pocket.

"It was in fact 36 grammes of cannabis resin, in six bits," said Mr Moran.

"Police then went to his home in Seaham and found under his mattress another 145g of cannabis.

"He said it was for his own use and paid for it in bulk by working seven days a week."

The court was told the drugs had a value of £400.

Jamie Adams, mitigating, told the court how Redden had given up drugs since his arrest.

Redden, of Wolsey Road, Seaham, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis and was fined £400.