A MAN on early release from prison for drug dealing has been fined more than £250 after police found cannabis worth £1.50 in his bedroom.

Alan Beattie, who gave his address in court as Ashbury Avenue, Nythe, was living in Marlowe Avenue, Park North, with his sister at the time of the police search warrant which led to the drug discovery on March 4.

Pauline Lambert, prosecuting, said: “Cannabis is found in a bedroom. It is described as a small amount and the police have called it one spliff’s worth.

“He is on licence for a four year prison sentence for supplying Class A.”

Beattie, 46, pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug at Swindon Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

Philip Hall, defending, said: “I would love to know what an arithmetic would have made of this exercise.

“Mr Beattie was staying temporary at the address and wasn’t there, he was at work during this apparent fool’s errand.

“It was found in the bedroom then occupied by Mr Beattie and was worth £1 to £1.50, Mr Beattie estimates. They didn’t even bother charging him and requested a summons. It was only by coincidence he learned of the hearing.

“He is on licence until July next year. It would have been a lot cheaper to the public purse if the police just cautioned him. The previous offences are much graver and you might say Mr Beattie is progressing in the right way.”

Chairman of the bench June May told Beattie she was not going to recall him back to prison.

She said: “We have listened to everything that has been said and make for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs. We will deal will this matter by way of fine. We understand you are trying to get back into work and live a clean life.”

Beattie was ordered to pay a fine of £166, victim surcharge of £20 and costs of £85. The court also heard the bailiffs are chasing him for £120 he already owes the court.