A UNIVERSITY student with a “bright future” told a court he is ashamed of himself after he turned to drug dealing to fund his cannabis habit.

Charles Antwi-Boasiako, 22, who is in his second year of studies at the University of Essex, was handed a suspended prison sentence after he was caught mid-drug deal.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how the management economics student was spotted by police in the passenger seat of a car in Colchester, engaged in a suspected illicit deal.

He was found to be carrying a small bag of cannabis.

Upon searching his room, police found a further 33 grams of cannabis in resealable bags, electronic scales, and a cheap “burner” phone containing texts concerning the sale of the Class B drug as well as £1,700 in cash.

Antwi-Boasiako, of Quayside Drive, Colchester, admitted possession of drugs, possession with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Recorder Johnson sentenced him to six months imprisonment, suspended for a year. He must complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

Margaret Anucha, mitigating, said Antwi-Boasiako’s shame had led him to keeping the offence a secret from his family, with the case “hanging over his head” since 2019.

“In essence the defendant succumbed to peer pressure,” she said.

“He attended university at 18 and students around him were engaged in smoking cannabis and he simply succumbed and joined them.

“However, his cannabis use got out of hand and he had insufficient means to pay for the cannabis and that led to the commission of the offences.”

Ms Anucha said her client comes from a good background, is intelligent and hopes to pursue a career as a data analyst.

“He is deeply ashamed of his involvement in the commission of these offences,” she said.