A DRUG dealer who had £1,500 worth of cocaine hidden in a glove has been spared jail.

Sam Dadd, 25, was handed a suspended prison sentence after admitting possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

The charges came after police executed a warrant at Dadd’s home in Cedar Road, Canvey, on April 13 last year.

At Basildon Crown Court, Gregory Wedge, prosecuting, said: “A number of Class A and B drugs were found.

“In the bedroom, a glove was found containing a white substance, which turned out to be 21.1grams of cocaine which had a street value of £1,500.

“In the same room, there was a quantity of cannabis and cash with lottery tickets, all believed to be used in the supply of drugs.

“The defendant was in the property at the time and was arrested at the scene.”

Dadd would later go on to admit all three charges.

In mitigation for Dadd, Sarah O’Kane told the court that he had a lesser role in the supply of drugs, as he was working as a drug dealer in order to pay off a previous debt, and has had struggled with mental health issues.

Dadd remained emotionless for much of the hearing, speaking only to confirm his name and address.

Sentencing the dealer, Judge John Lodge said he would suspend Dadd’s prison sentence in order for him to make a contribution to the community of Canvey.

He said: “People who deal in drugs, especially Class A drugs, would normally receive custodial sentences.

“However, in this situation my aim is not to give you an immediate sentence, but a sentence which will give you an opportunity to give something back to the community, and to help you deal with your struggles with mental health issues.

“There will be a treatment requirement during the 18-month period, along with 40 hours of rehabilitation, and 150 hours of unpaid work for the benefit of the community.”

Dadd received two years in prison, suspended for 18 months, for each offence to run concurrently.

Judge Lodge added to Dadd: “Listen, and listen very carefully.

“If you come back before me having not completed the rehabilitation, and it will be me, the starting point for you is two years in prison.

“If you fail to complete the unpaid work, it will be two years in prison.”