A CANNABIS dealer from Wotton-under-Edge, who offered free moped delivery to customers who ordered large quantities of the drug, has avoided prison.

William Clutterbuck, of Old Town, who was said to have played a significant role in cannabis supply in Wotton, received a four months jail term suspended for 18 months from Judge Michael Harington when he appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Monday.

The 22-year-old was also ordered to do 100 hours of unpaid work and attend a 15 day activity programme.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner told the court Clutterbuck played a 'high end significant role' and was an 'active cannabis dealer' in Wotton.

On February 16 he was stopped on his moped by police and found to have 11 grams of cannabis, two mobile phones and £65 in cash.

His home was searched and a further three mobile phones were found, as well as a large quantity of snap bags and clingfilm, two sets of scales and £90 cash.

The phones were analysed and four of the five devices contained drug-related messages. There were more than 7,000 texts Mr Kesner said Clutterbuck referred in texts to having the ability to deliver drugs if larger quantities were purchased.

Police had been concerned about local youngsters taking cannabis and believed Clutterbuck contributed to the problem, said the prosecutor.

Joe Maloney, defending, said Clutterbuck admitted the offence on the basis that he supplied local friends and associates for financial gain to enable him to have a free personal supply of cannabis.

He had lived with his mother and sister but as a result of the search of his mum's address he had to move out and get his own accommodation, the court heard.

Clutterbuck had found a job and was working for a firm which provides customised dashboards,Mr Maloney said.

Clutterbuck was ordered to pay £535 in costs and surcharges.