A man with a history of drug-related convictions has escaped jail after admitting possessing ketamine with intent to supply.

Robert Harte, 25, of Cedar Road, Faringdon, pleaded guilty to possessing just under 130g of ketamine with an estimated street value of between £1,920 and £4,550 at an earlier hearing.

Yesterday, Harte was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 250 hours’ community service.

He was also ordered to pay court costs of £340 and a £100 victim’s surcharge.

Harte had seven previous convictions, including one for possession of ketamine with intent to supply for which he was given a nine-month jail sentence.