A MAN, who sold cannabis so that he could afford to redecorate his house, will not be sent to prison.

John Chance, of Brian Wood, Telford, was arrested on September 2 after police searched his former home address on Watkin Street, Orford, and found 8.13g of cannabis, valued at £100.

Chance, who has previous convictions for shoplifting and for breaking a court order, was also found with a mobile phone, which had calls for drugs dating back to August 29.

Defending, Lucy O’Gara said: “He was offered an amount of cash to supply these drugs on a short term basis.

“He had just had a baby with his partner and was struggling with their new born. He would receive one lump sum and he would just sell the drugs. He had no idea of the size or the scale of the operation.”

She added: “He does have previous convictions but this is his first drug offence. He used to have a very severe cannabis habit and stole to pay off large drug debts. He was in a very bad way with his cannabis addiction but he is now drug free.”

The 21-year-old, who is on benefits, was sentenced to eight months in prison for possession with intent to supply cannabis, which was suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to carry out a 12 month supervision order when he appeared at Warrington Crown Court on Monday.