A DRUG dealer selling cannabis from his mother’s home narrowly escaped going to jail after a judge told him he was skating “on thin ice”.

Michael Kenyon was supplying the class B drug at Cardiff Road, Newport, whilst subject to a community order for aggravated vehicle taking and handling stolen goods.

Sophie Keegan, prosecuting, said the defendant was a “street dealer” with police finding drug-related messages on his mobile phone.

MORE NEWS

She told Newport Crown Court how the defendant had “played a significant role” in the trafficking of drugs.

He had eight previous convictions for 14 offences, including those for violence and theft.

The defendant had no previous convictions for drug matters.

Kenyon, aged 24, of Cardiff Road, Newport, pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis with intent to supply.

He also admitted being in breach of the community order imposed which was imposed at Cardiff Magistrates' Court last year.

Gareth Williams, representing Kenyon said his client had recently “turned a corner”.

The defendant looked after his son and his barrister added: “He has started to mature as an adult.

“There are lots of things going on his life and he has started to take control of his life."

He urged the court to draw back from passing and immediate custodial sentence so that the defendant could be rehabilitated.

Judge Jeremy Jenkins told Kenyon: “You are on thin ice. This is the very last time you will have this opportunity.

“On November 10, 2020, you were caught dealing drugs from your mother’s home on Cardiff Road in Newport.”

The defendant was jailed for eight months, suspended for 15 months, and must complete 19 sessions of a thinking skills programme.

The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and told Kenyon he must pay a victim surcharge.