AN “ESTABLISHED” cannabis dealer has escaped jail, and been urged to address his lifestyle and alcohol addiction for the sake of his young family.

Adrian Buchanan Jenkins, 23, from Cwmbran, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court on Friday (November 8) for one count of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He was caught with 28 bags of skunk cannabis worth £280 on February 2, at his home in Leighton Court, St Dials.

He also had £250 cash and a ‘tick list’ – of names and corresponding sums of money – in his possession.

Prosecutor Gareth James told the court he had sent text messages to more than 50 customers in the days prior to his arrest, advertising a new supply of cannabis.

Defending Jenkins, Stephen Thomas said: “He has one previous community order but he was in the grip of alcohol addiction at the time.

“He was having difficulties in relationships and using alcohol as a way to deal with his problems.

“But he has been with his current partner for two years and they have a child aged 14 months.

"They have another child on the way, due to be born in January next year.”

Mr Thomas also told the court Jenkins was in secure employment with a bakery.

Sentencing him, Judge Mr Justice Griffith Williams said Jenkins should consider the effect of his actions on his partner, who sat in the public gallery.

“Evidence suggests that you were an established dealer and you have come very close to an immediate custodial sentence but I have decided, exceptionally, to give you one last chance to avoid prison,” said the judge.

“If you offend in this way again you will go to away for a long time and lose your partner and your children. That is no future at all.

“It would not be a bad idea at all to reflect on the what it means to your partner to see you in the dock today, and what it would mean to her to lose you.”

Jenkins was handed a ten month sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also made subject to a 12 month supervision order, and a nine month drug rehabilitation requirement. He was given a £100 surcharge.

An order was also made for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and cash seized.