A DRUG dealer has escaped an immediate prison term after changing his guilty plea to possessing cannabis.

Michael Ginnini, aged 49, of School Road, was sentenced to eight months in prison, which was suspended for two years, at Chester Crown Court on May 30 after pleading guilty to possessing a controlled drug of class B with intent.

In an earlier hearing, Katherine Whincup, prosecuting, said Ginnini was arrested on January 21 after being stopped by police in the street and found to be in possession of a bag of cannabis.

Police later raided his home where a ‘bucket’ of cannabis containing 14 ‘wraps’ was found, which had a street value of £5,000, the court heard.