A man who dealt drugs escaped time in jail thanks to his work on a farm which was helping him rehabilitate, a court has heard.

Karl Roberts, 25, was arrested by officers on January 12, 2023 after police had observed activities around his previous home near Lammas Street in Carmarthen.

He was found to be in possession of over £12,000 of cannabis has been sentenced for possessing an illegal Class B drug with intent to supply it to others.

Roberts was represented in court by David Singh, KC who urged Judge Geraint Walters to impose a suspended sentence rather than the expected term of imprisonment. 

His request was made despite the large quantity of drugs which had been seized by officers. He said it was the result of ‘the positive effect’ that his current farm work is having on the defendant.

Mr Singh went on to say that the owner of the farm, who was present in court, has taken the defendant ‘under his wing’.

“It’s given him a fresh start and it’s assisted him and has proved extremely beneficial,” he said.

"Prior to this, his motivation was for financial gain."

Roberts, of Cwmfelin Boeth, Whitland, pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs with intent to supply. He has no previous convictions.

Sentencing was passed by Judge Geraint Walters.

“You have a complex background and were brought up in the care system,” said Judge Walters.

“You reached the age of 18 when you were treated as a man who was no longer in the books, and were left to fend for yourself.”

Judge Walters agreed to grant Roberts a suspended custodial sentenced as a result of the support which he is being shown by his employer, who the Judge described as ‘his guardian’.

Roberts was sentenced to 10 months in prison suspended for two years. He must carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and 20 rehabilitation requirement days.