A MAN caught with 37g of cannabis and a knuckleduster has avoided jail.

Adam Craker, 23, was sentenced at Southend Crown Court after admitting possessing a class B drug with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court heard Craker, of First Avenue, Canvey, was arrested on January 19, 2008, in Canvey Road, after police pulled over a car he was a passenger in.

After smelling cannabis, officers searched the vehicle and found a grinder used to prepare the drug, and 13 wrapped quantities of cannabis. Craker was also found to have £233 and a knuckleduster on him. The court heard Craker had claimed he was not a drug dealer, but had been acting on behalf of friends.

Sentencing, Recorder David Holborn said the admission was aggravated by the discovery of the knuckleduster. Mitigating, Victoria Meads said Craker was in full-time employment and hoping to move back in with his girlfriend, their three-year-old daughter, and his three stepchildren, aged 15, 13, and 12.

Craker was given a 16-week prison term, suspended for 18 months, must work with the Probation Service, and complete 100 hours of unpaid work. He had to forfeit the £233, and the judge ordered the drugs and knuckleduster to be destroyed.