A FORMER labourer who was caught "babysitting" a £640 stash of amphetamine has walked free from court.

Judge Raymond Bennett told Sean Guntripp, 25, the Lord Chief Justice had recently stated offenders should not be sent to jail unless it was absolutely necessary and in his case, he did not think it was.

The judge said the defendant immediately showed police where the drugs were when a house was raided. That was to his credit, as many people did the opposite and people should be encouraged to own up for their wrong doings.

Guntripp, of Derby Street, Colne, had admitted possessing amphetamine with intent to supply.

He was given 100 hours community punishment but was warned by the judge not to expect the same penalty if he did it again.

Tim Brennand, prosecuting, said Guntripp took police to the back bedroom and showed them three bags of white powder. The drugs had a potential street value of £640.