Sunderland drug dealer 'relieved' after police raid uncovered £17,000 of cannabis and £4,000 cash

Officers approached Jason Wade when he handed over a package to a customer in a car and found two bags of cannabis bush inside.

When the 29-year-old's home was searched, police found a "large quantity" of the drug, worth up to £17,000, more than £4,000 in cash, plastic bags, scales and debtors lists.

Prosecutor Lee Fish told Newcastle Crown Court: "He went on to admit to the officers he had been selling cannabis.

"He said he had been doing it on behalf of someone and that he in fact felt relieved that he had been caught because he didn't want to continue to supply cannabis."

Wade, of Palmerston Road, Sunderland, admitted supplying cannabis between June 2017 and June 2018 and possession with intent to supply.

Jamie Adams, defending, said Wade has a long history of depression and had used cannabis as a way to treat it, which led him into mounting debt.

Mr Adams said: "He found it difficult to find the courage for it to stop. He had just written a note to the supplier to tell him he wasn't going to do it any more."

The court heard Wade has sought professional help to deal with his problems and has support.

Mr Recorder Angus Withington sentenced Wade to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, with rehabilitation requirements and a two month nighttime curfew.

The judge said drugs "create a misery" in communities and harsh punishments can follow for involvement in them.

But he told Wade: "You have supportive references and credit for the fact you have seemingly sought to try and put your life in order."