A Douglas teenager has been put on probation for 12 months for drug dealing.

Liam John Wilson, of Lord Street, admitted possessing 21.6 grams of cannabis with intent to supply and was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs.

The court heard how, on March 22 at 7.45am, police had executed a search warrant at 17-year-old Wilson’s former Head Road address.

The cannabis, said to be worth £114, was found in the teenager’s jacket.

He was arrested and when interviewed at police headquarters, handed in a prepared statement saying that he admitted selling the drug, but only to close friends, to help with his day to day living costs.

Defending Wilson in court his advocate Kate Alexander said: ’We would ask that the court follows the recommendation of the probation report for a probation order.

’The circumstances are that Mr Wilson turned to cannabis to deal with difficulties in his personal life. He was struggling financially, receiving Job Seeker’s Allowance, but it wasn’t enough to feed himself and his own cannabis habit.

’It was not a sophisticated operation, he sold to friends.

’He has had to deal with some difficult personal circumstances in recent years and had to grow up faster than others in his peer group. He developed a dependence on cannabis. He is still on very low income. He receives £115 per fortnight in Job Seeker’s Allowance.’

Ms Alexander went on to say that Wilson was hoping to enrol at the Isle of Man College in the future and was interested in studying joinery or bricklaying.

’Probation might be able to assist him with this,’ said the advocate.

’He is just 17 and has no previous convictions. He was vulnerable and that likely made him easy pickings for those above him in the supply chain.

’He entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity and is working to reduce his cannabis dependency and probation can assist him.

’He is ashamed to be in court today and acknowledges he has thrown away his good character. But he is a young man who has lacked some direction.

’I would submit probation could help put him back on the right path. He has the support of his family who are here in court today.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes gave Wilson credit for his early guilty plea and for admitting the offence via a prepared statement during police interview.

’You have lost your good character for a very serious offence. One which any employer will look at,’ said Mrs Hughes.

’ You were supplying your own circle of friends and not making a significant profit, but using the money for your own habit and living expenses.

’You told probation it was the "easiest money you could ever make if you get it right". But it can never be right to supply cannabis to anyone else.

’There are serious consequences you need to be aware of if you are tempted to supply in the future.’