A DRUG dealing father of three who was caught after police smelled cannabis has been spared jail.

Lloyd Morgan was stopped by officers in Lydgate Road, Southampton.

The 27-year-old had 42 grams of cannabis in the waistband of his trousers, a court heard.

Daily Echo:

A further search found six packets containing a total of 19 grams, on May 4 last year.

With an estimated value of between £300 and £450, Morgan claimed he was only selling to “friends, and friends of friends”.

However, his mobile phone had text messages “which related to the sale of cannabis dating back to 2014”.

Morgan of Shamblehurst Lane South, Hedge End appeared before Southampton Crown Court on Thursday charged with supplying a Class B drug.

He previously pleaded guilty.

Daily Echo:

Prosecuting barrister, Tom Wright told the court how Morgan was stopped because the car he was in smelled strongly of cannabis.

The drugs were estimated to be worth between £300 and £445.

Defence barrister, Berenice Mulvanny said how Morgan is the full-time carer for his three young children and, that he “sincerely apologises”.

Meanwhile, his partner works as a carer.

Ms Mulvanny argued he had developed a six-gram cannabis habit which he was funding.

Judge Nicholas Rowland gave him a 12-month community order.

He must complete 150 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation days.