A drug dealer who had £2,000 of cannabis in his car has avoided jail.

Max Reynolds, of Brynards Hill, Royal Wootton Bassett man has been given a suspended sentence after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

The 22-year-old was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on May 24 to a 12 months prison sentence suspended for two years.

An officer was on duty on September 29 last year when she received information that a suspected drugs deal had taken place in the Royal Wootton Bassett area and a Ford Fiesta had been involved.

The officer located the vehicle and a search was carried out where a large amount of cannabis with a street value of over £2,000 was seized as well as nearly £450 in cash.

Reynolds was arrested and taken to custody.

Further enquiries were carried out on Reynolds’ phone which found messages relating to drug dealing.

PC Becki Nash said: “It was clear from the large amount of cannabis and cash seized, as well as all the messages on his phone, that Reynolds was supplying cannabis to a number of vulnerable people within our communities.

“I am pleased that we have been able to intercept and prevent these drugs from reaching our streets.

“This incident also highlights the importance of community intelligence – we rely on members of the public to act as our eyes and ears and report anything suspicious to us so we can take action.

"I’d urge anyone with suspicions of drug activity in their neighbourhood to call 101.”

Reynolds must also carry out 250 hours of unpaid work, rehabilitation activities, pay £250 Crown Prosecution Costs and a victim surcharge of £140.