Shop worker's drug shame

Benjamin Anderton, 22, was found with cannabis bush when he was stopped by police in Astley on Friday, November 11.

Wigan And Leigh Magistrates’ Court heard it had a street value of between £336 and £525.

Peter Bardsley, prosecuting, said: “He was arrested later and during that interview he said the purchase was to supply himself and also fund his own use by selling small amounts.”

Peter Buckley, defending, said that Anderton bought the cannabis in bulk so it was cheaper for his friends, but he did not sell it to make a profit.

He said: “He accepts that he is easily led and perhaps he was not so much coerced.

“But he was certainly asked by his friends to do this for them and he went along with it, which was foolish on his part.

“He deeply regrets what he has done and is deeply fearful of the court.

“He is deeply ashamed to be in this position.”

Anderton, of Moorgate Drive, Tyldesley, works part-time at B&Q and lives with his parents, who were in court to support him.

He had become more involved with his parents’ charity helping vulnerable children since his arrest, Mr Buckley said.

Anderton had also been referred to a drugs counsellor to address his “habitual” use, the court was told.

He informed a probation officer that he had used the banned category B substance for five years and would use more when he bought it in bulk, because more was available.

But he had not used cannabis for “a couple of weeks”, the court heard.

Anderton pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply when he appeared before the court.

Magistrates handed down a 12-month community order with a requirement to do 40 hours of unpaid work.

Anderton must also pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.