A WORKING man who turned to drug dealing to pay off his debts after he was made redundant was spared an immediate jail sentence.

Kaine Gallon, 21, of Moorland Park, Newport, was caught trafficking cannabis on the city’s Dewstow Street last autumn.

Nuhu Gobir, prosecuting, said: “Officers in an unmarked police car saw the defendant on a bike approaching a woman and there appeared to be an exchange of items in what was a suspected drug deal.”

MORE NEWS

Gallon was arrested and found with £80 in cannabis, £200 cash and a black Nokia mobile which was analysed by detectives.

Mr Gobir said Gwent Police officer Sean Meyrick found messages “consistent with drug dealing” on the phone.

Cardiff Crown Court was told that Gallon had no previous convictions and had been “a street dealer directed by another”.

He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply on November 13, 2019.

Ben Waters, mitigating, said: “This is a young man who has qualifications and started working but he was made redundant.

“This left him with debts and he was unable to find a job and started to become involved in the supply of drugs.

“It was a very foolish mistake to make.”

Mr Waters added that Gallon had taken steps to stop using cannabis since his arrest.

He also said his client had pleaded guilty, was an “immature” man and had no previous convictions.

The judge, Recorder David Harris, sentenced Gallon to four months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He must also attend 15 sessions of a thinking skills programme and carry out 80 hours of unpaid work in the community.

The defendant must pay a £122 victim surcharge.

The judge also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and the money was seized and handed over to Gwent Police to “to assist in the fight against drug trafficking”.