A MOBILE cannabis dealer from Nelson caught with the drug twice in a week has been spared custody after pledging that he was on the road to rehabilitation.

Mohammed Zaman, 24, was pulled over by police in his Vauxhall Vectra, in the town’s Scotland Road on June 2 last year and officers believed the vehicle smelled strongly of cannabis, Burnley Crown Court was told.

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And When the car was searched police found six bags of the drug, five of which are separated out into £10 bags, and £80 in cash, the court heard.

Prosecutor Stephen Parker said Zaman was released on bail after his mobile phone had been seized. But his car was pulled over again on June 9, in Lomeshaye Road.

Zaman initially claimed, when challenged by officers, that the car still reeked of cannabis from the last time he was stopped. But when officers searched the vehicle again, they discovered 14 individual bags of cannabis in an arm rest, and £30 in cash.

Later when his mobile phone messages were analysed, a number were said to relate to requests for drugs, including people seeking ‘Purple Haze’, a strain of cannabis, from Zaman.

Richard Taylor, defending, said his client had fell into drug use after being introduced to cannabis by friends but had now managed to kick his addiction.

“He is proud of his achievement and that is supported not only by his fiancee, who is adamantly against drugs, even tobacco, but members of his family, who are well-regarded in the community,” said Mr Taylor.

“He has let them down very badly.”

Zaman, of Manchester Road, Nelson, admitted two offences of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 100 hours community service and pay £100 court costs.

Passing sentence, Judge Anthony Russell QC said he had observed that the defendant was from a ‘good family’ and had taken steps to turn his life around.

“That is an important factor and it is that factor that has enabled me to pull back from passing an immediate sentence of imprisonment upon you,.” said the judge.