TWO men who admitted trying to deal cannabis had to endure a 3.5 year wait before coming to court.

Bradley Martin and Joseph Sumner were told it would be “unjust” for them to go straight to prison due to them keeping out of trouble for so long after their arrest.

Martin, 28, and Sumner, 29, were stopped by police in south Essex in August 2017 while driving as officers were suspicious of drug dealing taking place.

Inside the car with the two men was a small amount of cannabis and cash - around 30g of drugs in total and £200.

Messages on a phone were also analysed and found to contain messages relating to the sale of cannabis.

Martin, of Thorney Bay Park, Canvey, and Sumner, of Scratton Road, Southend, both admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis and were sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Prosecuting, Meyrick Williams said: “It’s taken 3.5 years to get to court, the only explanation is overwork in regards to those concerned in the case and time needed to examine phones.

“But I accept that three years from arrest to court is a very long time indeed.”

Recorder William Clegg QC sentenced the men to four months in prison which was suspended for one year.