A DAD found with a £600 stash of cannabis in a car, some of which would have been supplied, kept his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Arshad Hafeez, 45, had bought the drugs in bulk for about £200.

He would have used some of the cannabis himself and the remainder was to have been shared in a three-way split.

The hearing was told Hafeez had a significant role in the offence.

The defendant, of Brier Crescent, Nelson, had admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

He was given six months in jail, suspended for 12 months, with 12 months' supervision and must pay an £80 victim surcharge.

The court heard how on June 10 last year, Hafeez was driving a car in which there were two passengers.

Police found 59 bags of cannabis, weighing 44.4 grams and worth just short of £600.

The defendant may have to return to court in September for a proceeds of crime hearing, or it may be dealt with administratively.

Passing sentence, Judge Jonathan Gibson told Hafeez he had read about his health problems.

He said the defendant was generally in work and a family man.