Cannabis found in child's lunchbox when police raided Matson house  

MORE than 200 grams of cannabis was stored in a child's lunchbox as police raided a home in Matson.

Rory Woodward appeared at Gloucester Crown Court this week after he pleaded guilty to possession of the drug with intent to supply.

Police seized a total of 204 grams which Woodward, 21, stored in his girlfirend's child's lunchbox.

They also found hundreds of text messages which showed he was an "active drug dealer"

Prosecutor Julian Kesner said: "There were three people in the house when the police searched the property but the defendant took full responsibility for the drugs. A street value of £2,170 of drugs was found.

"The messages which were found were sent between March 2013 and May 2013."

Some of the text messages which were read out in court on Thursday indicated that he was supplying the drug to other people.

Mr Kesner read messages from May 16, 2013.

A message sent to Woodward said: "When will you be ready mate?"

Woodward, who is self employed as a carpenter, replied: "Should have a grand later."

The court also heard how he was trying to financially support his girlfriend and her two young children.

Woodward was also struggling to pay the £430 rent towards his house.

Defending, Tim Greaves said: "He is fully aware of this matter. He is actively distancing himself from his negative peers. His family are deeply ashamed and embarrassed. He never expected to be in trouble.

"He was struggling to pay his rent and support his family. There is a low level of maturity here.

"His father used to have his head held high when he left the house but because of his son's action he can not do that now."

The court also heard he was back living with his parents as Woodward tried to gain employment.

Mr Greaves added that Woodward wanted to set a good example to his two younger sisters aged three years and 10 months.

Woodward was given suspended sentence for 12 months and has to attend a drug rehabilitation programme for six months.

Judge William Hart said he took in the fact that Woodward has no relevant previous convictions and that he had a supportive family behind him.

He added: "You pleaded guilty and you were frank with the police."

http://www.thisisgloucestershire.co.uk 10/11/2013