A MAN who sold cannabis to pay for a family holiday has been spared jail.

Peter Little, 36, admitted selling the drug to friends, but cheated them by keeping small amounts for himself - and saved the money towards a holiday.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how police searched his home in April last year and found £70 worth of the drug hidden in the living room and kitchen, together with £168 in cash.

He was arrested and told police: "I have only been selling it a couple of weeks - our lass wants a holiday." He denied selling the drug to anyone but friends, and even then only on a couple of occasions.

Prosecutor Penny Moreland said: "Before giving the deals to friends he took a small portion off, therefore getting his own personal supply from the deals he was giving to others.

"He was putting the money he saved towards a holiday for his girlfriend and step-daughter."

After submissions from defence barrister Gavin Doig about how Little's girlfriend needed constant care following an operation and had been using the drug for pain relief, Judge Michael Cartlidge agreed he should not go to jail.

Little, of Linkway, Hedworth, Jarrow, admitted possessing a class B drug and possessing a class B drug with intent to supply.

Judge Cartlidge sentenced him to a 200-hour community punishment order and ordered him to pay £120 costs.