A DRUG dealer caught with more than a kilo of cannabis has narrowly avoided being sent to prison.

Alexander Goodridge was caught with 1,150 grams of cannabis and 18.5 grams of cocaine.

However, the 31-year-old was caught again just months later - while on bail - with more cannabis, a court heard.

Officers also seized a total of £640 in cash from the “full-time carer”, according to prosecutor, Gary Venturi.

Appearing at Southampton Crown Court, Goodridge, of Peel Hill, in Romsey, was charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

He was also charged with possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply, and being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug to another.

He previously pleaded guilty.

Defending, Oliver Capildeo argued his client looks after both his grandmother and partner.

Mr Capildeo read out a letter written by Goodridge’s partner which called for him to be given a “second chance”.

She said how she felt “very strongly about Alex’s future”.

Despite making “mistakes” she said she was “convinced he is a decent person”.

Mr Capildeo argued that Goodridge had “managed to stay out of trouble” and “intends to take a course in accountancy”.

Miss Recorder Kate Brunner QC deemed his offences on July 13, 2019, and February 24 last year, extremely serious.

However, she accepted that Goodridge was “holding the cocaine for another person”.

She also accepted he was selling cannabis “in order to keep an amount of cannabis for payment”.

He was jailed for two years, suspended for 18 months.

He must complete 20 rehabilitation days and 40 hours of unpaid work.

Commenting on the outcome of his hearing outside the court building, Goodridge gave his thanks to God and his family.