A MAN caught with cannabis in Wrexham city centre had been 'self-medicating' after witnessing 'heinous war crimes' in Syria, a court heard.

Anas Aljarad, of Bath Road, appeared at Wrexham magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon.

The 23-year-old admitted that on May 10 this year at Town Hill in Wrexham, he had in his possession a quantity of cannabis.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that police detained Aljarad at the location for the purposes of a search at around 2am on the day in question.

Officers recovered a plastic bag with a small amount of cannabis inside.

Mr Espie asked the court to order the forfeiture and destruction of the substance.

Elzbeth Kenny, defending, told the court: "Just to give some background, this is a man that fled Syria two years ago after being forced to serve in the Syrian army.

"He saw heinous war crimes against his own people and was shot himself, in the leg and eye.

"Subsequently, he has post traumatic stress disorder and very poor mental health.

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"He fled from Syria and went across Europe, eventually arriving in France, then travelled to London, where he met his wife.

"He travelled to Wrexham looking for work."

Regarding the cannabis, Ms Kenny said her client had been "self-medicating" to tackle his anxiety and PTSD.

"It was for his own use," she added.

The court ordered the destruction of the cannabis and handed down an £80 fine for the possession offence.

Aljarad must also pay £85 costs and a £32 victim surcharge.