Stables boss saves cannabis dealer from jail

The town’s crown court heard police found over 128g of the drug, with a street value of about £1,800, when they raided young dad Josh Watson’s home in Burnley.

He owned up to supplying cannabis to a group of friends, who were already users, not for profit, but to fund his own habit.

The hearing was told Watson had made a good impression at the stables.

Boss Dan McDevitt had written a letter to the sentencing judge saying the defendant showed great potential – and also offering him a job.

Watson (23) who had spent six weeks in custody, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply, between January and April last year.

He was given eight months in prison, suspended for a year, with 150 hours unpaid work and a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Mr Stephen Parker (prosecuting) told the court police executed a search warrant at Watson’s home on Ribblesdale Street, last April 9th.

Sentencing, Judge James Adkin told the defendant: “Ordinarily those who possess that much cannabis with intent to supply it go immediately to prison.”