A man who turned to dealing in cannabis as he struggled to cope with his emotional problems has been spared a jail term.

Adrian Chivers sold the drugs to friends to subsidise his own heavy use of cannabis as well as cocaine.

But after hearing the 28-year-old had mental health problems and lived an isolated life a judge at Swindon Crown Court imposed a community order yesterday.

Police raided his home on Wednesday, July 31 with a warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act and found just under 200 grams of the drug, much of it already divided up into deals for selling on as well as just under three grams of exceptionally pure cocaine, making the total value of drugs as much as £1,873.

Officers also seized £315.61 in cash, scales, a cannabis grinder and numerous empty snap seal bags.

Chivers, of Mill Street, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply and possession of cocaine.

Judge Douglas Field imposed an 18-month supervision order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and ordered the forfeiture of the drugs and money. He must also pay a £60 victim surcharge.