A SMALL-TIME drug trader who was snared by police whilst guarding the home of a bigger dealer escaped jail yesterday.

Jason Hutchins, 39, of Sceptre Place, Elswick, Newcastle, was found in his dealer's house after police caught 14 people calling there to buy drugs in one afternoon.

They found Hutchins inside hiding a packet of cannabis in his mouth.

There were 14 packets in all, weighing 4.22 ounces together, with a street value of £250.

Hutchins pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday.

The court heard Hutchins was driven to drugs after his marriage broke down and he moved to the North-East.

His lawyer said the former telecommunications worker was unable to find better work in the region.

Mark Guiliani, prosecuting, said: "These circumstances are bizarre. The address searched by police is not the one he lived in.

"These are unfortunate circumstances for this defendant. He had been ordered to look after shop for a short period of time.

"They had been under surveillance for some considerable time. The owner of the property had left the house for a short period."

Sentence was deferred for six months by Judge Guy Whitburn. He warned Hutchins that if he breaches the conditions of the deferral, he faces a 12-month prison term