A ‘naïve’ 23-year-old from Ipswich has been spared prison after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis with the intent to supply.

Joshua Taylor, of Halifax Road, also admitted failing to comply with a community order on March 27 when he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Colette Harper said Taylor was spoken to by police at 4.45pm on April 21 after driving a silver Ford Escort in Ipswich.

Asked to open the vehicle Taylor immediately went to the drivers’ door panel and attempted to conceal some items.

The court heard there was a strong smell of cannabis from inside the vehicle.

Among the items found were a small bag of herbal cannabis in the door and a much larger bag containing three wraps of the drug in the glove compartment.

Scales were also discovered in the driver’s door pocket.

Mrs Harper said Taylor admitted buying the cannabis ‘on tick’ for £350 for personal use. However he was going to sell some on to recoup some of the money.

Magistrates heard Taylor was also in breach of a 12-month community order he was given on October 6 for a burglary offence.

As part of the order he was told to complete 100 hours’ work. Taylor was also due in court on April 24, but failed to attend and an arrest warrant was issued.

The breach related to missing an appointment with probation officers on March 27. It was also said Taylor had missed a number of other appointments.

Nicola Pope, representing Taylor, said he had originally been stopped by police on a routine traffic matter.

The court was told he had a disagreement with his family a couple of months ago. He was asked to leave the family home in Halifax Road and found himself homeless after initially losing contact with his parents.

Taylor also lost his job and found himself in a difficult position.

Ms Pope said: “Effectively he buried his head in the sand.

“He’s been naïve and he’s been coerced by somebody he knew.

“He hadn’t actually sold anything. He was unlucky and went to collect the cannabis, and on his way back was stopped by police.

“Perhaps a more mature man would have asked for assistance.

“He presents as a very naïve and shaken man.”

Magistrates sentenced Taylor to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

He must also pay £100 costs to the probation service and £85 towards prosecution costs.