TWO cannabis dealers from Ellesmere Port have appeared at Chester Crown Court.

Darren Bailey McCallaghan, 22, of Parklands, Little Sutton and Solomon David Moore, 21, of Tennyson Road, Whitby, have both admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis, in connection with offences dating from March 2019.

Both appeared at Chester Crown Court on Friday, July 31.

Moore, who pleaded guilty at crown court, will be sentenced the week beginning August 24, while McCallaghan, who had pleaded guilty at Chester Magistrates Court, was sentenced to a two-year community order.

Prosecuting, Frances Willmott gave the details for McCallaghan's case.

Police executed a search warrant at his home on March 5, 2019 and found two bags of cannabis on a chest of drawers, and a mobile phone containing a list of dealers and text messages from people requesting drugs.

McCallaghan had no previous convictions or cautions.

A pre-sentence report said the defendant had shown regret and remorse, had difficulties growing up, without stable accommodation, and had a partner who was expecting a baby.

Defending, Chris Hunt said the defendant was 21 at the time and immature for that age, as he had learning difficulties which led him to be easily influenced.

The arrest had been a wake-up call for McCallaghan and he was now a man who seemed "to be on the right path".

Honorary Recorder of Chester, Judge Steven Everett, warned McCallaghan about the "evils" of cannabis.

He said: "There are no good factors about cannabis. It's a class B drug for a good reason.

"You have to pay for it and it's doing you harm. I have seen other people involved in cannabis use then they go on to get involved in more serious drugs such as heroin or cocaine."

Judge Everett added if McCallaghan breached the two-year community order: "You and I will meet and you will regret it."

The community order means McCallaghan will have to do 100 hours unpaid work and complete 20 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

After deciding not to impose a custodial sentence, Judge Everett said: "I am giving you a chance because I don't think you are a lost cause. Make this the first and last time you appear before a court."

As McCallaghan, who was wearing shorts, left the dock, the judge added if he was ever to appear before the court again, to wear more formal clothing.