A DRUG user avoided a prison sentence because he had taken steps to stop his habit.

Ian Hartnell, 21, of Newton Street, Ferryhill, admitted a charge of possession of cannabis with intent to supply at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard that police found 236 grams of cannabis, with a street value of £1,100, when they searched Hartnell's girlfriend's house in January.

Peter Schofield, defending, said that most of the cannabis was for Hartnell's use, but a small amount was for his brother, and that was where the supply part of the charge came in.

He said that his client had visited the North-East Council for Addiction (Neca), is employed in a good job and is due to become a father in December.

Judge Anthony Briggs said the offence would normally carry a custodial sentence, but added: "It does appear you are making some effort to rid yourself of your addiction."

Hartnell, who has previous convictions for drug offences and arson, was given a two-year community rehabilitation order.