A DRUG dealing addict who found himself back in the dock for a second time for dealing cannabis has been spared jail – provided he kicks the habit for good.

Samuel Jeffs, of Padbury Drive, Banbury, was previously jailed in 2015 for 14 months for possession with intent to supply the Class B drug.

He appeared again at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for a separate charge of possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

The 26-year old, the court heard, was busted at his home address when police turned up to answer reports of a domestic assault on March 27 this year.

When police arrived at about 1.15pm they entered Jeffs' home and discovered no signs of assault, but on searching the property they uncovered a bag containing 291g of cannabis.

There was also a set of weighing scales and deal bags, indicating the supply of drugs.

Jeffs, who has a long history of cannabis use with numerous offences for possession, pleaded guilty to the offence at the first opportunity.

In mitigation, Adrian Amer, defending, said that his client wanted to quit his addiction for good.

When asked by Judge Peter Ross when was the last time he had smoked the drug, Jeffs replied he had smoked the rest of his cannabis the night before, in the belief he would be jailed that day.

He told the court that he smoked cannabis as a 'coping mechanism' after suffering from anxiety and stress.

On sparing Jeffs jail Judge Ross said: "You have a record, it is an unpleasant record, and most significantly a conviction for possession with intent to supply cannabis in 2015.

"You went to prison for 14 months in relation to that. That didn't deter you and that is a matter of some concern.

"I accept what you say that you were dealing to support you own habit.

"I know that if you go to custody your experience will be similar to the last incarceration, it would be unpleasant but it clearly would not stop you offending.

"I am satisfied that the way to deal with this is to stop your drug use."

Jeffs was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years and also made subject to a community order to include 15 months drug rehabilitation requirement, participation in the Resolve programme and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work.

He will also have to complete regular drugs screenings to show he has not taken cannabis throughout the two-year period.