A cannabis dealer has been spared prison by a judge who offered him a chance to mend his ways.

Brian Thomas Stephenson, 28, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court having previously admitted two crimes.

These were supplying a class B drug between June, 2015, and April this year, and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The offences came to light after police executed a warrant at Stephenson's home at Keir Hardie Avenue, Cleator Moor, on April 15.

They recovered a small amount of cannabis divided into 15 separate quantities. A mobile phone was seized and examined, and revealed damning texts from people interested in obtaining the drug from him.

But having heard mitigation and that Stephenson was now showing "positive signs", Judge Peter Hughes QC concluded that he should be spared prison.

An eight-month jail term was suspended for two years. Stephenson must complete 120 hours' unpaid work along with a rehabilitation requirement.