TWO drug dealers have been sentenced by a judge after being caught by police with £900 worth of cannabis on them.

Hayley Baker admitted possession of a controlled drug of class B, cannabis, with intent to supply when she appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday, while Benjamin Spares had pleaded guilty to the offence at an earlier hearing.

Alison Scott-Jones, prosecuting, said a black Audi was stopped on Rainbow Hill, Worcester, at around noon on April 10, 2019.

"The driver was Hayley Baker and the passenger was Benjamin Spares," the prosecutor said.

"When the officers approached they noticed the strong smell of cannabis.

"PC Fowler found a number of items that included a cannister that contained cannabis, four bags of cannabis, five plastic bags of cannabis, four containers with amounts of cannabis, six small pots that had cannabis sweets, 18 bags of sweets that were infused with cannabis, 10 bags of cannabis infused chocolate, and a bottle of cannabis syrup.

"The total value is £900 if those were to be sold."

The prosecutor said drug related paraphernalia was found in the car, including scales, a cannabis grinder and dealer bags.

Miss Scott-Jones explained a mobile phone was also found, which was later examined and showed a significant amount of messages with requests for drugs and the offering of cannabis for sale.

The prosecutor said the previous convictions of Baker, formerly of Lower Moor, Pershore and now living in Plymouth, were for drug driving.

The Worcester News reported on that case when Baker was given a curfew and a driving ban after being caught twice in just over a week drug driving in Worcester, in April 2019.

Miss Scott-Jones said Spares, 21, had six convictions for eight offences, including for possession of a class A drug.

The paper reported on Spares, of Bromyard Road, Worcester, a year ago when he received a suspended prison sentence for urinating and spraying sauce over the belongings of a neighbour during a burglary.

Jason Aris, defending Spares, said it was clearly a significant role case but the offence pre-dated the conviction for burglary, when a suspended prison sentence was given to him.

Judge James Burbridge replied: "This puts me in a difficult position as I thought in the case immediate custody was appropriate, but last year he was given a suspended sentence which he has not breached."

Mr Aris said Spares had no offences of a similar nature on his record and he had referred himself to Cranstoun drug centre to address his issues with taking cannabis.

"There are signs he is finally starting to turn a corner," Mr Aris added.

Martin Butterworth, defending Baker, said she was now working in the care industry and had moved out of the area to make a new life for herself.

The judge asked "Has she given up cannabis?" to which Mr Butterworth replied: "I believe she has."

Sentencing the pair, the judge spoke of his concern of the cannabis being in different forms including sweets that could of been of interest to children.

Judge Burbridge said Spears was considered to have a leading role in the case, but he recognised Spears had abided by the terms of the suspended sentence.

"You are keeping out of trouble, you are trying to settle down," the judge said.

"I hope you have given up cannabis."

Spears was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He received a two month curfew, active between the hours of 8pm and 7am nightly, was ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work, and pay costs of £300.

Baker was handed a 12 month community order that included 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and was told to pay costs of £300.

"Miss Baker it seems you have a real habit for taking cannabis - I have to trust you will change your lifestyle," the judge added.

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