A cannabis dealer caught twice in as many years was spared an immediate jail sentence.

Ben Leach, 29, of Hanborough Road, Eynsham, pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with intent to supply a class B drug in 2019 and being concerned in dealing the drug late the following year.

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He was sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years by Judge Nigel Daly on Monday, who ordered the west Oxfordshire man complete 180 hours of unpaid work, up to 42 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay £425 in costs.

“Because of what I have read about you in the two pre-sentence reports and because of what I have read about you in the references I consider there is a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation in your case,” he told Leach, who had no previous convictions.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

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