A remorseful cannabis addict from Bushey who turned to supplying the drug to fund his habit has been spared jail.

Hinesh Gudka, of Claybury, was driving a Vauxhall Corsa in Watford when he was stopped by police on July 18, 2019.

St Albans Crown Court heard how Gudka, 24, indicated to police that he was lost and looking for Garston Station when one officer smelt cannabis in the car.

After the officer asked if there were drugs inside, several bags of cannabis were found and Gudka was arrested.

A mobile phone belonging to Gudka was also found in the centre console, with a message on it linked to the supply of cannabis.

Following a search of Gudka’s address, police found several bags of cannabis resin and skunk, the court heard.

Prosecutor Charles Judge said the street value of drugs Gudka was in possession of both at his address and in the car was valued between £635 and £815.

Gudka pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled drug of CLASS B, cannabis (skunk and resin), with intent.

He appeared for sentencing at St Albans Crown Court on Wednesday, May 5.

The court heard that Gudka, who was previously unemployed, had been a heavy cannabis user for many years and turned to supplying it to fund his own habit.

Eleanor Lucas, defending, said he is of “good character” and is “very regretful for a stupid mistake”.

She added that he has found a new job as a salesperson and that drugs are “no longer a problem for him”.

Gudka was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months.

He must also stick to a curfew of being at home between 8pm and 6am for two months and was also ordered to carry out several hours of unpaid work.

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