A DRUG dealer who progressed from taking cannabis to running a small illicit business selling the drug was warned not to take a suspended prison sentence as a “let off” by the judge.

Sam Webb, 30, was found in possession of cannabis, a phone containing messages which concerned dealing and scales earlier this year in Colchester.

Admitting a charge of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug, he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court for sentence on Friday.

Recorder Simon Mayo QC said Webb had been “frank from the outset” with investigators following his arrest.

He said: “You were involved in street dealing effectively, and your role is a significant one because you were carrying that out on your own behalf, effectively running a small illegal business in selling Class B drugs.

“I’ve read the pre-sentence report, particularly in relation to the circumstances in which you say you came to start taking cannabis and then selling it.

“It’s something you told the police about frankly when you were interviewed.

“Because you have been frank from the outset I am inclined to accept that explanation as to the circumstances in which you began this illegal activity.”

He added: “Although I accept that as an explanation it’s not an excuse and it doesn’t justify what you did.”

Recorder Mayo said lawyers representing Webb conceded he had committed a serious offence, with immediate prison a “possibility.”

But he turned to sentencing guidelines and the fact that Webb’s previous conviction for a “comparatively minor” offence took place ten years ago.

“I feel able in this case, by doing justice, to suspend any prison sentence that I would otherwise have imposed,” he said.

Webb, of Brinkley Place, Colchester, was sentenced to eight months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months.

He must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and will be subject to an electronically monitored curfew for three months.

He must not leave his home between the hours of 10pm and 6am.

Recorder Mayo said: “I regard that as being an appropriate penalty to act as some additional form of punishment by restricting your liberty.

“I should warn you that you ought not to regard this as being a let off, in the sense that you can simply go back to doing what you were doing before.

“If you keep out of trouble and you complete the requirements that I have imposed, you will not have to go to prison.”