A Watford army veteran has been handed an 18-month suspended sentence after he dealt cocaine to pay off a drug debt.
John Brindley, 41, suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after active service in Afghanistan.
He became addicted to drugs and was coerced into dealing to pay off a debt.
On June 29 last year, the police stopped a Mercedes in Watford that led them to an address in Bushey, where Brindley was staying.
The officers found the veteran with 10 wraps of cocaine, with 82 per cent purity.
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Prosecutor Philip Misner told the court that Brindley handed over £160 to police saying: “This is from dealing.”
Mr Misner said it was accepted by the prosecution that he played a lesser role in drug supply.
Brindley, of the YMCA Charter House, appeared for sentencing at St Albans Crown Court having pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply.
The court heard the former soldier, who is on universal credit, was being supported by Op NOVA, the Forces Charity that helps ex-service personnel who are in contact with the justice system.
He had seen active service in Afghanistan and had been prescribed medication for PTSD from an army doctor.
The judge passed an 18-month jail sentence suspended for 18 months.
Brindley must complete 100 hours unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation days.
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