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A man who sold cannabis and cocaine to his friends was terrified at the prospect of being sent to prison, a court has heard.

Benjamin Didcott was stopped by police in Annesley on February 18, 2021, with 63 grams of cannabis and 1.39 grams of cocaine, Nottingham Crown Court was told.

Judge Michael Watson told him: “You are terrified at the prospect of going to prison and well you should be.

"Prison is not the place for anyone who can avoid it.

Didcott avoided jail when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court

"You have done your level best to stay out of trouble for two-and-a-half years and it’s because of that I'm not going to send you to prison today.”

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The judge said Didcott’s dealing was “social supply, but supply nonetheless” and noted he has no previous convictions.

He also stopped taking drugs and presents a low risk of harm to the public and of reoffending.

Almas Ben-Aribia, mitigating, said: “He insists he will not come before the court again.

"He was working until recently - he is living off his savings.”

The judge imposed a 12-month community order with a two-month curfew from 9pm to 5am.

"If you commit a further offence in the next 12 months you can be brought back to court and punished for these offences as well as the new ones," Judge Watson told him.

“You’re free to go.

"Make sure for your sake you don't come back.”

Didcott, aged 27, of Maid Marian Avenue, Selston, admitted possession with intent to supply class A and class B drugs, at a previous hearing.

He was also ordered to pay £200 towards court costs at the hearing on Tuesday, October 24.

Drug dealer caught in Annesley ‘terrified’ by prospect of prison