A KIDDERMINSTER welder who tried to improve his lifestyle by selling cannabis has been given a suspended sentence.

Martin Shurmer, 41, was stopped by police in his Mitsubishi Outlander 4x4 vehicle by police acting on information that he was carrying drugs, Worcester Crown Court was told.

Charles Hamer, prosecuting, said officers found a tub containing skunk cannabis and a freezer bag which smelled of the drugs when they searched the car on December 11 last year.

A search of his home in York Street, Kidderminster, revealed £2,740 in cash and analysis of his mobile phone showed messages relating to dealing.

Shurmer was frank with the police and pleaded guilty to a drug dealing offence.

He said he had been buying large quantities of cannabis for his own use and to sell to others.

Mr Hamer said he had bought items including a six-person hot tub. A proceeds of crime process was started.

Nicholas Berry, defending, said Shurmer was of previous good character and capable of leading a law abiding and productive life.

He had got into debt over a number of years and his parents had helped by paying off £18,000 on credit cards, Mr Berry said.

“He started using cannabis and decided this was the time to make money by dealing,” he told the court.

Recorder Sam Mainds said Shurmer had worked consistently hard to support his family but had started to indulge in a smarter lifestyle than he could afford from his job as a welder.

He handed Shurmer a sentence of 18 months, suspended for two years, and warned him to keep clear of the courts.

“Temptation will come again,” he told Shurmer. “Somebody will come up to you soon and ask for cannabis or offer you some. Just walk away.”

He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.