Man Told Police He Was Selling Cannabis To Support His Family

A DRUG dealer who bought �1,200-worth of cannabis in Littleport was stopped by police as he transported the stash back home.

Officers carried out a routine stop check on the car - and 22-year-old John Hawkins handed over the illegal drugs.

"Police spoke to the car's occupants and smelled cannabis coming from the vehicle," prosecutor Paul Brown told Ely magistrates.

When told the car would be searched, Hawkins produced three bags of herbal cannabis; he reached into the glove box and pulled out a carrier bag containing a substantial amount of herbal cannabis, and the items were seized."

The driver of the car - 26-year-old Jonathan Maxfield - was found in possession of amphetamine when his home was searched.

Hawkins, of Walton Way, Brandon, told police he had asked his friend to drive him to Littleport. He wanted to see friends who would sell him herbal cannabis.

He bought nine ounces of the class B drug for �1,200.

"He intended to sell the cannabis to people who asked him for it, but he was caught by police," added Mr Brown. "If people contact him for some cannabis he would sell it, and use some himself."

Hawkins said he had obtained the price of the cannabis by selling the drug, and doing odd jobs.

"He told police he sold cannabis because he had not worked since June or July 2008, and needed money to support his family. Maxfield did not know what he was going to do."

Hawkins admitted possessing 249grams of cannabis with intent to supply, and supplying the class B drug between June 1 2008 and September 12 this year. He was committed for sentence at Cambridge Crown Court.

Maxfield admitted possessing amphetamine. Mitigating, Gill McGivern said: "He is not a regular drug user, but was at a low point in his life." Sentencing was adjourned until December 3.