A PENRITH man whose cannabis stash was found by police when officers stopped and searched the car he was in on the M6 has been sentenced for dealing offences.

Mark Anthony Armstrong, 26, initially told the police that the 413g of the Class B drug that police found in his rucksack in 2021 was part of a bulk purchase he made in Kendal to save money.

But phone evidence later emerged that confirmed he was in fact dealing the drug, Carlisle Crown Court heard.

The defendant, of Mardale Close, Penrith, admitted two offences: possessing the drug with intent to supply on May 1, 2021, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis between February 21, 2019, and May 1, 2021.

The offending came to light in May, 2021, when police stopped a car near to Junction 40 of the M6 and the officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis.

The car was searched, and officers found the rucksack.

Armstrong told the officers he was a heavy cannabis user and had paid £2,500 for the cannabis to a dealer in Kendal. Buying the drug in bulk made it cheaper, the told the officers.

But when police analysed the defendant’s phone, they found clear evidence that he was selling the drug. The defendant was a man of previous good character.

Richard Flook, defending, said the defendant’s use of cannabis left him with a significant debt but, since the offences came to light, he had changed.

He had kicked his habit and found gainful employment in supermarket, working six days a week, working long hours.

“There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation,” said the barrister. Mr Flook pointed out that Armstrong, when the car was stopped, immediately exonerated his friends in the car, accepting responsibility for the cannabis.

During his police interview, he had continued to deny supplying cannabis but this was probably due to a “degree of panic,” said the barrister.

Mr Flook added: “He tells me that he knew what he was doing was wrong… He significantly regrets getting involved and recognises that he should have faced up to his issues much earlier.

“He has now been drug-free for a significant period of time; he sorted out counselling, getting help from Unity.”

The defendant recently lost two grandparents and he sought help from a bereavement charity. He planned to marry his partner, but the wedding was delayed until the outcome of the case was known.

Assessed as being a at a low risk of reconviction, the defendant hopes to start his own gardening business.

Recorder Michael Blakey told the defendant: “You were dealing in drugs. That’s exactly what you were up to. The phone revealed that you were a dealer.” The defendant’s record now bore the stain of those offences.

The Recorder said supplying drugs of any description caused all kinds of problems in society, with some people getting hurt, and some even dying.

“The courts have to reflect that when they sentence the individuals who are involved,” said the judge. But Recorder Blakey acknowledged the positive features in Armstrong’s life, including his abstinence from drug use.

References demonstrated the positive features of his character.

The Recorder imposed an eight-month jail term, suspended for 16 months. The sentence includes ten rehabilitation activity days and 180 hours of unpaid work.

The defendant thanked the judge as he left court.