A DRUG dealer from Amesbury has been given a chance to turn his life around after being handed a suspended prison sentence on Friday. Kelvin James Spooner, 21, showed police officers where 10 ounces of cannabis were stored in his wardrobe when they carried out a search warrant at his home in Holloway Close on August 17.

The drugs had a street value of between £1,800 and £2,870. Spooner was released on bail and then on October 31 he was found to be in possession of 6g of cannabis, worth about £60. Salisbury Crown Court heard Spooner has been smoking cannabis since the age of 12 and dealing for the last two years. Judge Nicholas Haggan said: “In my view these offences are so serious that neither a fine nor community order can be justified.

“I have decided in view of mitigation and efforts I believe you have made since the second arrest, and indeed since first arrest earlier this year, I should give you a chance. I am not going to send you to prison.”

Spooner was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession with intent to supply, and a second offence of possession, suspended for two years. He is also subject to supervision for 12 months and must complete 240 hours of unpaid work.