A 51-year-old Laxey man who received cannabis in the post has been sentenced to community service.

Richard Spencer Pearce, of Glen Road Terrace, admitted production of the drug to the island as well as possession of it.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes ordered him to do 180 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months.

We previously reported how a package was intercepted at the Post Office sorting office on August 20 last year.

It was addressed to Pearce and when opened found to contain 53.2 grams of cannabis valued at £1,064.

A search of Pearce’s home found more cannabis valued at £3.65.

When interviewed he gave ’no comment’ responses to questions.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough asked the court to consider the recommendation of a probation report which suggested community service as a suitable sentence.

The report assessed Pearce as a low to medium risk of harm to others and reoffending.

Ms Myerscough said that her client had sought assistance from Motiv8 and entered early guilty pleas.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes referred to the probation report which she described as ’very positive’.

’It was an unsophisticated offence with the package addressed to you at your home address,’ said the High Bailiff.

Mrs Hughes sentenced Pearce to 140 hours for the production offence and 40 hours for the possession.

He was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay at a rate of £40 per week.