A 32-year-old drug dealer has been sentenced to 210 hours of community service.
Daniel Jonathan Fick, of Park Road, Douglas, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply as well as possessing cocaine.
Magistrates sentenced the landscape gardener to 210 hours for each offence to run concurrently.
Prosecuting advocate Rachael Braidwood told the court that police were on patrol in Douglas near Park Road on September 17.
They spoke to Fick who was said to be acting nervously.
When asked if he had any drugs he answered: ’Yeah I’ve got just a little bit of cannabis.’
When searched police found four small bags of the drug and £45 in cash.
Fick’s home was also searched and police found more cannabis along with cocaine.
In total, cannabis weighing 34.9 grams, valued at £698 was found and 0.15 grams of cocaine.
The bags found on Fick’s person were said to be consistent with those used in dealing.
Scales were also found at his home and an analysis of his phone showed messages implicating him in cannabis sales.
When interviewed Fick said the cannabis was for his own use but made no comment regarding the cocaine or the phone messages.
The court heard that he had a conviction for similar offences in 2007.
Defence advocate Jim Travers handed in two letters of reference for his client.
Mr Travers said that it was important to note that Fick’s last similar offence was 14 years ago and that he now had a family who he provided for.
’This whole episode has served as a salutary lesson,’ said the advocate.
’Mr Fick wishes to put it behind him and concentrate on taking care of his family.’
Mr Travers said that the drug dealing had largely amounted to Fick selling to friends and associates.
He continued: ’The offences date back to September and his conduct while on bail has been without reproach.
’He has fully engaged with probation services.’
Mr Travers went on to say that Fick could use his gardening skills for the good of the community and that previously he had worked at Archallagan plantation on mountain bike tracks and walking paths as part of his community service.
A probation report assessed Fick as a low risk of reoffending and of harm to others, and recommended community service as an appropriate sentence.
Magistrates also ordered Fick to pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay at a rate of £40 per week.