A HEREFORD man who supplied cannabis to a small group of friends has avoided prison because the sales were not on a commercial scale.

Mark Watts, 54, was detained by police after security staff at the Commercial pub in Hereford noticed two men behaving in a suspicious manner.

Laura Hobson, prosecuting, told Hereford Crown Court last week that a small black carrier bag dropped out of Watts' pocket and, when taken into custody, a number of smaller bags were seized containing a small white substance.

He was, in February 2014, found to be in possession of 4.38 grams of cocaine.

Officers later found a large quantity of cannabis, around 800 grams in total, at his home address, the court heard, as well as £1,305 in cash.

His mobile phone was examined and there was evidence on the phone of dealing, with text messages asking "have you got a bit of smoke?" and "don't forget the Henry".

Watts, of Marlowe Drive, Whitecross, pleaded guilty to being in possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

His plea, accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service, was on the basis that it was his intention to supply to a small group of friends.

There was some financial gain but it was not a commercial supply, the court heard. When interviewed, he said he smoked cannabis because he had arthritis.

Mark Thompson, defending, said Watts was a 'hard-working man' of previous good character. His use of cannabis was as a social relaxant and for his arthritis.

He said Watts was willing to take help from DASH in relation to his problems with alcohol and that he had led an "entirely productive life up until now".

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins sentenced Watts to eight months in prison, suspended for two years, for being in possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

A concurrent two-month custodial sentence, also suspended for two years, was imposed for possession of cocaine.

He will also have to complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation course and 12 months supervision.