Landscape gardner Gregory Corcoran has escaped a jail sentence for drug dealing - on his 21st birthday.

Corcoran was given a last chance by a judge after he admitted charges of possessing cocaine and possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

Chelmsford Crown Court Judge Peter Dedman told him the Court of Appeal had made it clear sentences should be between one and four years.

But the judge added: "I am prepared to take a chance with you, but I think you know where you stand were you to appear before this court again for similar offences."

Corcoran, of Maldon Road, Tiptree, was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order with a condition he attends the Open Road drug treatment programme. He was also given a 60-hour community punishment order.

Karen Jones, prosecuting, said Corcoran was stopped by police in St Botolph's Street, Colchester, on April 15, when small amounts of cocaine and cannabis were found.

A search at his home revealed 300 gms of cannabis, 134 gms of cannabis resin, cocaine and two sets of electronic scales in his bedroom. The value of the drugs was in the region of £1,000. Police also found £1,140 in cash and cheques.

He told police later the cocaine was for his own use and the cannabis was to sell to friends in Tiptree. He admitted he had been supplying the drug for the past year to 18 months.

Roslayne Mandil-Wade, mitigating, said Corcoran sold the cannabis to pay for his own cocaine. He had started taking the drug at a friend's party.

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