The social supply of drugs to a group of friends in the Boscastle area led to 26-year-old Sam Washer being given a suspended prison sentence at Truro Crown Court last Thursday.

A man of previous good character, Washer, of Tintagel Road, Boscastle, had admitted at the first opportunity possession of cocaine, worth £1,920 and cannabis valued at £12,227 with intent to supply others.

Solicitor Christopher Nicholls, defending, explained that the friends took it in turns to obtain the drugs and on this occasion it was Washer who was caught. He was not a street dealer and he had taken steps to address his alcohol and drugs problems.

Washer had left home at 18 but as a result of his arrest had returned to his family and had their support. He was well liked, was employed and had done voluntary work.

Prosecutor Ron Ede said that on October 15 last police officers searched a property in Clover Lane Close, Boscastle, where Washer was then living. They found a small amount of cannabis and he was given a verbal warning. The officers left, but on receiving further information returned about 30 minutes later and searched Washer's car in which were the drugs, electronic scales and some small bags.

Judge Christopher Elwen noted that the local harbourmaster, doctor and others spoke highly of Washer and gave him credit for his previous good record and guilty pleas.

He imposed a 50-week prison sentence, suspended for two years and ordered Washer to do 160 hours of unpaid work for the community and to pay £450

prosecution costs.