WHEN police searched the home of a jobless Tredegar man they found a selection of illicit drugs, Cardiff crown court heard.

Among them were 157 Diazepam tablets.

Anthony Banner, 28, later told the police that he was a heroin addict but the tablets were for personal use and added: "They are as cheap as chips."

He admitted possessing the tablets with intent to supply. He had also been convicted by Gwent magistrates of possessing cannabis and heroin and had been committed to the crown court for sentence.

He was sentenced to four months imprisonment suspended for two years.

A community order he is subject to involving supervision for 18 months and a drugs rehabilitation order are to continue.

Prosecutor Jason Howells said that on July 26 police searched his home.

They found 157 Diazepam tablets plus heroin and cannabis and cash of £35.

Banner was said to have convictions for possessing a bladed item and of being in breach of a previous community order for harassment and breach of a restraining order.

His counsel Geoffrey Jones said: "A report indicates he has made good progress in his illicit drugs use and this should not be thwarted.

At the moment he is without any form of income."

Judge Christopher Llewellyn Jones told him: "You are building up a situation where you could be facing a substantial prison sentence."

The Judge ordered that £35 found in the house be confiscated towards the cost of the case.

The Judge said: "Regard yourself as fortunate, take advantage of this."