AN Ellesmere Port drug dealer has been spared immediate custody.

Anthony Baldwin, 35, of Hawthorn Road, Little Sutton, pleaded guilty on the day of his trial to possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Appearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday, January 28, Baldwin was handed a 10-month prison sentence, suspended for two years.

Prosecuting, James Coutts said Baldwin's home address had been searched in June 2019, where officers found a total of 250g of cannabis, and a 'tick list' identifying 30 contacts.

Baldwin had pleaded guilty to the charge on the basis he had been supplying to friends, or friends of friends, to fund his own heavy cannabis intake at the time.

Police said the cannabis found, if sold on the street, would be valued at between £1,500 and £3,700.

Baldwin had 12 previous convictions, including possession with intent to supply cannabis in 2015.

Mr Coutts said Baldwin played a significant role in what was effectively his own operation.

Recorder Eric Lamb noted he had received a positive pre-sentence report which concluded Baldwin had a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, and a letter from the defendant's mother which outlined the situation Baldwin was in at the time of the offending, and the steps he had taken to resolve matters since.

The judge noted there had been no further offending since 2019.

Sentencing, Recorder Lamb added Baldwin had demonstrated true remorse and determination to overcome his drug addiction.

As part of the suspended sentence, Baldwin must carry out up to 35 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, including a Thinking Skills Programme.