A DRUG user from Newport who breached a suspended sentence will remain behind bars after losing an appeal.

Craig Paul Sheppard, 22, of Ramsey Walk, St Julian's, was sentenced to one year, suspended for two years, after admitting drug offences in November 2006.

He breached the conditions of a community order last month and was ordered to serve the one-year sentence in full.

In a hearing at the Court of Appeal in London yesterday, his lawyers argued he had "partly complied with unpaid work and supervision".

However, the judge said he had repeatedly failed ot attend work and supervision appointments.

The judge described the defendant's approach towards his supervision and community order as "desultory, spasmodic and grudging".

"Community orders and suspended sentences are seen by some as soft alternatives to prison. For the public to have confidence, these must be properly enforced by the courts," he said.

Sheppard was originally convicted of possessing cocaine, cannabis and amphetamines, and possessing ecstacy with intent to supply, at Cardiff crown court.