A RENTON man who was found with a haul of drugs in his home has narrowly avoided jail.

Peter Hamilton, of Grant Crescent, admitted to being in possession of a large quantity of cannabis with the intent to supply the drug to another.

Fiscal depute Decla O’Connor said that at around 2.30am on February 9, 2021 police were made aware of a report of a person smoking cannabis.

Upon police arrival they observed that Hamilton had a bag in the property in plain sight, so informed the 23-year-old he was subject to a search.

During the search of his home police found four plastic bags of cannabis, a Swiss Army knife, a packet of tobacco, lighters, a grinder, an iPhone and some scales.

After police found the cannabis and equipment, Hamilton admitted to cops that they were his belongings.

The total value of the drugs recovered was estimated to be £1,260.

During the hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week his defence solicitor Stephen Maguire: “He was furloughed [in 2021] and was able to purchase the drugs with the money from his job. In discussions with him he recognises to supply to anybody at any level is serious.

“He is doing well for himself now.”

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “Cannabis is a harmful drug that can have a serious impact on you in which mental health is a huge factor. I have seen time and time again young men like yourself affected by it.”

As a direct alternative to custody the sheriff ordered Hamilton to complete 225 hours of unpaid work, which he must complete within 12 months.