WEST DORSET: A Bridport father found in possession of thousands of pounds worth of cannabis had been given a suspended prison sentence.

Dorchester Crown Court was told that Samual Jason Brook, aged 32, was stopped by police officers in his vehicle in Shipton Lane, Burton Bradstock, in the early hours of October 30 last year.

Prosecutor Sadie Rizzo said officers smelt cannabis coming from the car and a search revealed a beeny hat containing two small bags of herbal cannabis and a small bag of white powder, which when analysed was found to be amphetamine.

Also found in his car was a folding lock knife with a seven centimetre blade.

The total amount of cannabis found in the vehicle was found to be 37.74g with an estimated value of £220 and there was a total of 2.57g of amphetamine with a value of £25.70.

Officers searched Brook’s home address in Peas Hill, Shipton Gorge, Bridport, later that night and found 534 grams of herbal cannabis hanging from the rafters in the loft.

Police estimated the drugs had a value of between £4,005 and £8,010.

Brook admitted charges of possession of a class B drug with intent to supply, possession of a bladed article and possession of a class B drug.

In a basis of plea Brook said that he had been using cannabis since he was a teenager and the drugs found at his home were principally for his own use but if asked by a friend he would exchange small amounts for cash.

In mitigation, Patrick Mason also asked that the defendant, who worked in a Bridport slaughterhouse, be given credit for his guilty pleas.

Recorder Rufus Taylor sentenced Brook to a total of nine months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He also ordered that the defendant carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community and pay costs of £300 as well as a victim surcharge of £100.

Recorder Taylor told the defendant: “Please take this as a warning.”

The recorder also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and the knife.