A CANNABIS dealer narrowly avoided being sent to jail, thanks to letters from his mother and partner to the court.

Bailey Miller, 19, of Drabbles Lane, Sandown, admitted possession with intent to supply, after he was found with 505.2 grams of cannabis, which experts valued at having a street value of between £3,500 and £4,900.

Tim Devlin, prosecuting at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday, said also found in Miller's possession were deal bags, scales, tubs, grinders and cash.

It was June 3, 2020, when PC Winchester stopped a Vauxhall Corsa in Sandown, and the passenger, Miller, ran off.

Once caught, the drugs and associated paraphernalia were found on him, in his rucksack, and at his home address.

His street dealing was motivated by misguidedly trying to help his mother out financially, the court heard.

Oscar Vincent, for Miller, said the probation service’s pre-sentence report detailed a tragic childhood, which had impacted on his mental health.

However, his mother and partner, while not condoning his behaviour, offered a ‘support infrastructure’ allowing Miller to abide fully with whatever community orders were put in place. They had written letters to the court explaining this.

Mr Vincent said Miller had self-referred to Inclusion, to address his drug use.

Recorder Richard Shepherd said the amount of drugs and cash found made it clear he was dealing extensively.

A category three offence, Miller was told the maximum sentence available was 14 years in prison, with a starting point of one year.

Allowing credit for his mitigation and guilty plea, he gave him a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He must undertake 150 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.

He will be on a four month curfew, on an electronic tag, between 10pm and 6am.

He must pay £250 costs and a £156 surcharge.

Recorder Shepherd told Miller: “You need to give your mum and partner a hug because their letters made a real difference. I do not want to see you in court again.”