A MAN who had cannabis with intent to supply to others in Clydebank has avoided a jail sentence.

John McClafferty, of Westwood Quadrant, Linnvale, was arrested on November 9, 2017, at a property in Braes Avenue. The 52-year-old later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply to others.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard last week first-time-offender McClafferty told social workers he got better prices for buying in bulk.

Fiscal depute Meghan Glancey said police found three blocks of cannabis, two in a pigeon hut and one in the living room. There were also hundreds of pounds in cash, some of which was claimed to be bingo winnings.

Defence solicitor Gail Campbell said her client got involved in something that could have a devastating effect on his life and those around him.

He was assessed as being of minimal risk to the public and unlikely to reoffend.

She said: “It’s a serious matter and this court views drug matters in the most serious way.”

Sheriff William Gallacher said the “quantities were by no means trivial” and that McClafferty was “party to the process to go to other people”.

He said: “Shame on you.”

McClafferty was ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid work within the next six months and was told he would go to jail if he didn’t carry out the work.

A total of £965 was forfeited.

Cannabis has been completely illegal in the UK since 1971, and is currently a Class B drug.

There have been recent calls for laws to be relaxed.