A FORMER drug dealer has been handed a suspended sentence after a judge praised his efforts to turn his life around.

More than two years ago in February 2018, police executed a search warrant at the then home of Michael Guest in Stuart House, Colchester.

Detectives found quantities of cocaine, MDMA, cannabis and prescription drug Alprazolam.

A total of £1,495 in cash and 2,600 Polish zloty were also found inside the premises.

Guest, 31, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, possession with intent to supply Class B drugs and possession with intent to supply Class C drugs.

He admitted the charges and attended Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday to be sentenced.

Suki Dhadda, prosecuting, said: “As well as the drugs found there were also drug paraphernalia including grinders, scales and documents which appeared to be deal lists, as well as mobile phones.”

Judge Patricia Lynch jailed Guest for a total of two years for each of the Class A offences, 12 months for the Class B offence and nine months for the Class C offence. The sentences will run concurrently and were suspended for two years.

She said: “I have read your letters from family members and friends and all of them stand as character references and speak of how you have turned your life around since these matters.

“The papers also tell me since December 2018, when you moved in with your sister, you are clean and have not used drugs since.

“The references tell me about your voluntary work in charity shops and there have been no offences since these matters came to light.”

Guest, now of Marlow Road, Towcester, must also complete 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days.