A DRUG addict who spent £500 a week on cannabis was pressured into dealing due to debts.

Joeseph Mongan was caught out when police searched a shed in his back garden while looking for a wanted man.

The 22-year-old answered the door at his home in Agnes Avenue, Leigh in October last year..

The police believed a man they were looking for could be hiding in the shed in the property’s garden.

When officers searched the shed, no one was found, but Mongan attempted to shut the door very quickly, arousing suspicion.

They ended up searching the shed and found 17 wraps of cocaine and a large bag full of 642 grams of cannabis.

In total, £1,885 in cash was also seized.

Mongan admitted possessing cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on Friday.

Mitigating, Charles Conway said: “Here is someone that has been slowly taking drugs more, and more, and more.

“He was spending £500 a week on cannabis, smoking it non-stop.

“At first he was able to pay but the debt became too much.

“When it got to £1,000 the people who supplied the drugs to him said the only way out of the situation was if he sold cannabis himself.”

Mr Conway added that Mongan was still using cannabis, but only once a day.

Recorder William Clegg QC told Mongan: “I will take an exceptional course and suspend the prison sentence.

“I accept what Mr Conway has outlined on your behalf that you were pressured to deal drugs to pay debts you had acquired to supply your own addiction to cannabis.”

Mongan received 200 hours unpaid work.