However, Ricky Steven Howes, who the Court heard began to use cannabis after suffering a back injury, was warned that if he ever appeared in court again for similar offences he would receive a ‘substantial’ custodial sentence.
The court heard that officers raided Howes’ home and car on 9 November and found cannabis with a street value of between £4,500 and £6,000, ecstasy with a value of between £105 and £175 and ten tablets of the psychedelic drug 2C-B worth between £150 and £175. Officers also seized £2,484 in cash and electronic scales.
During interview, Howes admitted to officers that he had been given the ‘opportunity’ to bulk buy five 100g bars of cannabis resin for £6,000.
He said he had smoked some of it himself and had also sold some to his friends.
However, Howes, who works for a building services firm, strongly denied selling ecstasy and said that he had bought a few tablets on several occasions for his own personal use.
Howes, who was of previous good character, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis resin with intent to supply, possession of cannabis, possession of ecstasy and possession of 2C-B tablets.
He was given 150 hours’ community service and a 12-month probation order. The court also ordered the confiscation of the £2,484 which was found during the raid.
The court heard that Howes had been in employment since leaving school, had the benefit of youth and also had a number of character references.
The Deputy Bailiff, Tim Le Cocq, said: ‘We are taking a chance. You must obey the probation order. You must avoid the world of drugs which will inevitably be a temptation to you.
‘If you come back for any breach of the order or for anything like this in the future you must assume that you have already had your last chance and you must accept a substantial custodial sentence.’
Jurats Jerry Ramsden and Elizabeth Dulake were sitting.
