Northampton drug dealer spared jail after being found with more than 200g of cannabis by police

A Northampton drug dealer who was found with more than 200g of cannabis by police was given a suspended prison sentence today (Friday, May 14).

Northampton Crown Court heard Ellis Erskine was also found with a load of cash in his car as well as hidden in a curtain rail at his home on Park Hill Road in June, totalling £3,337.

The 22-year-old man, who had already pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply, was given an eight-month jail sentence, suspended for 21 months.

His Honour Judge David Herbert told him: "I have given you one chance, I don't tend to give people two unless in very, very exceptional circumstances.

"So please take this opportunity because if you are in this position again, you will be leaving by a different door."

In the early hours of June 2, police stopped Erskine in Northampton town centre and found the cannabis in his car, some of which had been put into individual wraps to be sold, the judge said.

The full-time roofer told officers he had bought nine ounces of the class B drug a few months earlier and had been selling it to his friends.

Erskine's defence lawyer said he wants to move on with his life and has learnt from his mistake.

As well as the suspended sentence, he will also have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation.