A 25-year-old Gloucester cannabis dealer who told a court in December that the drug should be legalised has done enough on his deferred sentence to avoid going to jail, a judge ruled on Wednesday.
Unemployed father of one Grant Thorpe, of St Catherines Street, Gloucester, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply on September 6, 2017.
He also pleaded guilty to possession of amphetamine on the same day, when he appeared at Gloucester Crown Court last December.
Judge Ian Lawrie QC decided to defer sentence against Thorpe for two months, ordering him to provide the court with proof of the work-related courses he was attending.
Defence lawyer, Joe Maloney, representing Thorpe said: “It was adjourned for him to do a number of little things, he has done it.
“He does not have a job, but he has made significant strides forward.
“He has a number of qualifications, he has applied for jobs, he is trying.”
Judge Lawrie observed: “His antecedents will not make applying for a job any easier, but at least he is trying.”
“He has taken to heart what was sad last time. He has made huge efforts,” Mr Maloney said.
“He presented me a folder, and it was a feeling of well done.”
Imposing an eight-month jail term suspended for two years, the judge said to Thorpe: “You have done in spirit and effort what was asked of you when I gave you the deferral.
“That was an opportunity worth taking. Gaining skills is halfway to avoiding offending.
“Continue to try. It is not easy to get work.
“I reflect the efforts taken in the last couple of months.”
As part of the suspended sentence, Thorpe was ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation activity sessions and abide by a three-month daily curfew between 7pm and 7am.
At the hearing in December, the court heard that Thorpe had been spotted by a CCTV operator conducting what appeared to be a drug deal outside the Debenhams store on Northgate Street in Gloucester on August 18 last year.
Prosecutor, Janine Wood, said this led to police 'gathering intelligence' about Thorpe and his activities.
They arrested him on September 6 outside the former BHS store on Eastgate Street in the city.
When he was searched he was found to have 18 grams of cannabis with a street value of £180, Mrs Wood said.
He was also in possession of scales, small plastic 'snap bags' and £119 in cash.
His address was searched and the amphetamine was found.
When his mobile phone was analysed it showed drug dealing messages, the prosecutor said.
Mrs Wood described Thorpe as a 'low level dealer with a limited amount of customers'.
The court heard Thorpe had 21 previous offences on his record including class B supply in 2015.
