A HOD carrier who bought cannabis in bulk and dealt to others escaped jail, but was warned there would be no second chance.

Kelvin McWilliams, 23, had a stash of the drugs at his home and had probably been breaking the law for some time, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The defendant was told what he had done would normally result in a short prison term, but he had pleaded guilty and was working. Recorder Simon Newell imposed 80 hours' community punishment with £200 costs, adding: "This is a direct alternative to prison. There are no second chances."

The defendant, of Augusta Street, Accrington, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply.

David Pickup, prosecuting, told the court police found 49.4 grammes of cannabis resin at the defendant's home.

When McWilliams was interviewed, he said he had a temper and smoked cannabis to calm down. He claimed he was not a dealer and references to making money and selling drugs in a letter to his friend found by police were just lies because the recipient was doing well and he wanted to "keep up with the Joneses".

The court heard McWilliams had bought in bulk for his friends, was making £30 to £40-a-week profit and had been doing it for a couple of weeks.