A DRUG dealer who said he sold cannabis to buy food and pay his rent has escaped jail.

Damien Courtley, 21, from County Road, Swindon, admitted possession of cannabis worth £300 with intent to supply.

And he also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon, a butterfly knife.

Magistrates could have sentenced Courtley to a maximum of one year in prison.

But instead they opted for two years probation and 90 hours community service.

Defence solicitor, Rob Ross, said his client was a victim of his own inexperience after admitting supplying the drug while being interviewed on his own by police.

Mr Ross said that if his client had been represented by any solicitor "worth his salt" they would have advised him only to admit possession.

He said that £300 worth of cannabis was still a small amount and said Courtley was unfortunate to be facing a possible prison sentence in the light of the Home Secretary's decision earlier this week to reduce the penalties for possession of cannabis.

He said: "Some of his friends were stopped this week with a couple of ounces between them and they were only cautioned.

"I think we are going to see more and more of this."

Police, acting on information, stopped Courtley in County Road on May 4 and found him in possession of cannabis resin and a butterfly knife.

After searching his house they found more cannabis resin and a quantity of extra strong herbal cannabis, or skunk.

The total quantity was three ounces.

The court was told that Courtley had admitted in interview with police that he used the money made from selling the drug to pay his rent and buy his food.

Mr Ross said: "This is a young man who faces a custodial sentence to a large extent because of his inexperience."

He added that prison would frighten the life out of his client.

Courtley was also ordered to pay £50 towards costs.