A DRUG dealer who was caught with nearly a quarter of a kilo of cannabis in his home, along with a set of scales, a 'deal list' and large amounts of cash, was spared prison time at Isle of Wight Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).

Jonathan Iles, 52, of Tennyson Road, Cowes, admitted a charge of possession with intent to supply.

When police raided his home in October, they found the stash of cannabis in a void behind a skirting board.

There was 232 grams, which police estimated had a street value of £2,320, prosecutor Mike Mason told the court.

Police also found £1,760 in cash.

Iles has a long record of criminal convictions for a range of offences, including many other drug offences.

This latest offence put him in breach of a conditional discharge he received at Isle of Wight Magistrates Court in November 2017 for possession of cannabis.

For Iles, Kaj Scarsbrook told the court his client sold cannabis in order to pay for the electricity needed to grow it.

"His motivation is to produce cannabis for himself," Mr Scarsbrook said.

"He grows cannabis so he doesn't have to involve himself with street dealers, young people and the violence that comes with drug dealing."

The court heard how Iles had used almost every type of drug during his life, including heroin, but he had managed to kick his class A habit and now only smokes cannabis.

Mr Scarsbrook said that Iles suffers with chronic pain in his hands and feet and smokes cannabis to deal with the pain.

Sentencing, Judge David Melville said: "Your sentence can be suspended. There is a prospect that you may be able to throw off this habit."

Iles was sentenced to 16 months suspended for two years. He will also have to undertake 30 days of rehabilitation.

The judge ordered the forfeiture of the drugs, scales and cash.