A DRUG dealer who ran a cannabis operation from his Watchet home to fund his ‘modest lifestyle’ has been spared prison.

Ben Pope, 25 was arrested after officers executed a warrant at his home on Quantock Road in June last year.

He was found guilty of possessing class B drugs with intent to supply following a two-day trial at Taunton Crown Court and was given a 12-month community order.

It was said Pope would send text messages to friends in his drug dealing circle as part of his operation.

Defending, Patrick Mason said: “Pope is a man of previous good character – he has the ability to behave himself and he can battle his problems.

He has a stable home and his registered with an agency looking for work.

“His father has also kept his support despite being not too happy with the events.

“He has a lot of debt and a lot of money to pay off.”

Judge Richard Bromilow warned Pope that if he did not turn up or carry out the work that he would find himself back in the dock.

He said: “The first thing that needs to be said is that the jury convicted you of the offence. What you told the jury and the police has been disbelieved and I have got to respect that.

“From what I have heard this operation at your home might be regarded as modest but I am satisfied that what you did there funded a modest lifestyle.

“Now, at 24, I would encourage you to start thinking seriously about what you are going to do with yourself.”

Pope was also ordered to carry out 250 hours of unpaid work.

PC Chris Walls, who was involved in the operation, said: "This was an excellent example of police working with the community, and acting upon intelligence gathered from them, to reduce the amount of cannabis in our local area."