A DRUG dealer who was caught almost three years ago has finally faced justice.

Michael Boston pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis following his arrest in September 2018, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The 30-year-old was carrying a rucksack with grip seal bags containing 30 separate deals while a search of his mobile phone revealed a number of text messages relating to drug deals.

Peter Sabiston, prosecuting, said a subsequent search of his home revealed more grip seal bags and digital scales using in his drug dealing enterprise.

He told the judge the case was 'pretty straightforward' and couldn't explain the significant delay in the case coming before the court.

Mr Sabiston said Boston told police that he sold most of the drugs but kept some for his own personal use.

The 30-year-old, of Wicklow Street, Middlesbrough, has not been in trouble with the police since his arrest, the court heard.

Paul Green, in mitigation, said his client had been struggling when he became involved in the drug dealing business.

He added: "He gave a very frank interview about his involvement and how he became involved."

Judge Timothy Stead sentenced Boston to a two-year community order and told him to attend 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He added: "I'm going to treat this as a one-off departure by you, I have to warn you that even though the drug is cannabis, clearly not cocaine or heroin, the courts patience does wear out if people come back for the same thing.

"Please don't come back here to court."