A man who said he bought cannabis for his ill wife has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service.

Ivan Muzik, aged 50, of Marathon Drive, previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of cannabis to the island, possessing cannabis with intent to supply, and possessing cannabis.

He was arrested after police found 680.7 grams of the drug valued at £3,892 at his home and in his car.

He appeared before Jayne Hughes for sentencing on Tuesday.

We previously reported that police executed a search warrant at Muzik’s home on March 27 at 11.30pm.

Twenty snap bags containing the drug, valued at £393, were found in a tub while two further quantities, valued at £15.98 and £8, were found in a bedroom.

Police then searched a vehicle and found a six bars of cannabis worth £3,475.

When interviewed by officers, Muzik accepted that all the drugs were his and admitted that he was a heavy user but said that he did not supply it.

He told officers that he had paid a friend who came over for motorcycling to bring it over for him.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood told the court: ’We appreciate we are dealing with a significant amount of cannabis for personal use.

As stated in the basis of plea, the couple has effectively shared financial resources and Mr Muzik has purchased the cannabis for them to share.

’It is accepted it is a supply to his partner.

’That was the only person he intended to supply. He accepts that prior to moving to the island, and while here, he has had significant issues with cannabis use and previous amphetamine use.’

Mr Wood said that Muzik was continuing to work with Motiv8 and had not used cannabis for four weeks.

He said Muzik’s partner was now using prescribed medication.

The advocate also referred to a case from the Court of General Gaol Delivery in which another defendant avoided custody despite having £10,000 worth of cannabis for personal use.

High Bailiff Jayne Hughes said that she had considered Muzik’s co-operation with police, his basis of plea and that his wife had been using the drug for medical reasons when decided to step away from a custodial sentence.

Muzik must pay £125 costs.