A self-confessed cannabis addict since the age of 11 has been sentenced to community service and probation after he was caught with hundreds of pounds worth of the drug.

Daniel Kelly, aged 28, of Mona Street, Douglas, admitted cannabis possession after he was caught with £544 worth of the drug.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes sentenced him to 60 hours of community service and a 12-month probation order as part of a combination order.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police attended Kelly’s Mona Street address * November 30 at 4.36am in relation to a separate matter.

There was a smell of cannabis emanating from the flat and drug paraphernalia in the living room.

A search found 27.2 grams of the drug along with scales.

When interviewed Kelly gave ’no comment’ responses to all questions.

A probation report said that Kelly was currently on sickness benefit, suffering from anxiety and depression. He said he had been addicted to cannabis since he was 11 years old and would like to receive support to stop his illicit drug use.

Kelly said he had attended a meeting with Motiv8 and had another one planned.

He said he had worked in the hotel industry and hoped to return. The report said that Kelly would benefit from supervision to help him address his addiction.

Defence advocate Deborah Myerscough said that a combination order would better suit her client as opposed to just community service as having supervision would help him with his drug use.

The court heard that he has previous offences relating to cannabis use.

High Bailiff Mrs Hughes said that combination orders were usually for more serious offences but would be more beneficial for Kelly.

Kelly was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs, which he will pay at a rate of £20 per week deducted from benefits.