A DRUG dealer was caught sitting on the back seat of a car alongside a box stuffed with cannabis.

At Bolton Crown Court Lisa Wilson, prosecuting, told how police spotted a black Vauxhall Astra on Walmersley Road, Bury, at 11pm on January 22 and stopped it after seeing it pass a no entry sign to turn into Buckley Street.

Lisa Wilson, prosecuting, said that when the car door was opened officers noticed a strong smell and discovered a large amount of cannabis buds inside a steam cleaner box on the back seat of the vehicle, alongside 32-year-old Paul Baker.

The plants were estimated to weigh around 1kg and Baker, of South Bank Road, Bury, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply after initially claiming it was not his car and he was only going to get some food.

Colin Buckle, defending, stressed that although Baker has a criminal record, he has no other drug convictions, apart from a fine for growing five cannabis seedlings in 2013.

The Honorary Recorder of Bolton, Judge Timothy Clayson, sentenced Baker to six months in prison, suspended for 15 months and told him he must also complete 100 hours unpaid work and participate in 24 days of rehabilitation activity.

"He told Baker: "I don't know what your view is about cannabis. I can tell you my view - some people are badly hurt by it!"