A 21-YEAR-OLD man who started selling cannabis to fund his own spiralling habit has walked free from court.

Dale Hawkridge was still living at home when he was caught with the drug which he planned to sell on Monday, August 15, last year.

But after hearing how he had kicked the habit and cut down on his drinking a judge decided not to impose an immediate jail term. Hawkridge, of Stubsmead, Eldene, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The court heard his mum threw him out of the house after he was arrested and he was still having issues with his accommodation.

His previous offending had been drink-related and he said he had greatly cut down his alcohol intake, now only drinking socially.

Richard Williams, defending, told Swindon Crown Court: “This is a defendant trying to change his lifestyle for the better.”

Until recently he said his client had been working for the Royal British Legion and had greatly reduced his intake of cannabis.

Passing sentence, Judge Douglas Field said “Because you have been a heavy cannabis user for many years your life has gone down the drain: you weren’t working.

“You were living at home with your mother, all your life revolved around cannabis; using and dealing it.

“Now you are before me for sentence. I am grateful that you have taken stock and given up your heavy use of cannabis.

“You are fit and healthy and not exhibiting symptoms of a heavy cannabis user. You entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity.”

He imposed a nine-month jail term suspended for a year and told him to carry out 200 hours of community service.

After passing sentence he said: “Put this behind you, lead an industrious and productive life from now on. This is your lesson.”