A CANNABIS dealer found to have £800 of drugs – much of it in 68 bags ready to sell – walked free from court.

Damion Thornton, 27, of Newchurch Road, Stacksteads, who has a previous conviction for producing cannabis, was said to be supplying drugs to fund his own habit and pay off debts.

Thornton admitted possessing the drug with intent to supply, on June 28. He received eight months in prison, suspended for two years, with 12 months’ supervision and a 12-month drugs programme. Recorder Peter Atherton said: “That seems to be the best way of serving the public interest in this case.”

Lisa Worsley, prosecuting, said police recovered 68 snap bags, containing about one gram of skunk cannabis, worth a total of £680, plus two further bags of cannabis worth £100, during a raid on the defendent’s home.