Man who admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin is spared from custody

Matthew Reyland deemed to have a lesser role in criminal activity

A judge spared a convicted drug dealer from a jail term.

Matthew Reyland was netted after a police operation in Somerset, Bristol Crown Court heard.

The 33-year-old, of Seavington St Michael in Ilminster, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of both cocaine and heroin between September 1, 2018 and October 20, 2018.

Judge James Patrick told him: "This was a long time ago.

"You are viewed as a lesser role, you were put on and exploited.

"You pleaded guilty a little while ago.

"I gave you a chance.

"I told you not to get into trouble, engage with the Probation Service and make good progress with drug rehabilitation.

"You've been true to that and I can take an exceptional course."

The judge handed him a two-year community order and up to 20 days of rehabilitation.

He warned Reyland that if he didn't tackle drug addiction he would either spend longer time in prison or end up dead.