A HOMELESS dad who began selling drugs after falling on hard times has narrowly avoided going to prison.

Police could smell cannabis after stopping Jason Massey driving on Cherry Tree Avenue, in Clacton, for having faulty rear car lights, and before long could smell cannabis.

His admission that there was 4oz of the drug in the car to sell led to Massey’s arrest for possession with intent to supply in January.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard a 137g bag of cannabis with a street value of £1,200 was seized, along with mobile phones and drug paraphernalia.

A member of the probation service said: “Mr Massey lived in his own property around four-and-a-half years ago and unfortunately was the victim of a burglary and felt unsafe returning.”

Rent arrears led to him being evicted so his young son could no longer stay overnight.

Although he later found work at a scrapyard, the dad was not earning enough to afford a home, despite his son’s pleas.

The probation officer continued: “It was a friend of a friend who suggested he might know a way to make extra money.

“He knew it was illegal but he was running out of options.

“Having looked at potentially what he could gain, he made that decision and took that risk.

"Now everything has come to light, he’s lost his job... he’s lost a significant amount of drugs for which payment may well be expected sometime soon.

“He’s in far worse place now than when he started in this enterprise.”

Massey, 42, also admitted driving the Peugeot without insurance.

In the past he had been convicted for possession of amphetamine with intent to supply, and possession of cannabis and cocaine.

His last conviction was 13 years ago, said Levent Kemal, mitigating.

He added: “Mr Massey became financially pressured and made the wrong decision.

“In his words, it was a stupid decision. He’s embarrassed and remorseful. He’s not only left himself down but his loved ones.”

District judge John Woollard gave Massey a six-month suspended sentence and banned him from driving for six months.

Massey’s licence was endorsed for six months, concurrent to the ban, for having no insurance.

He must complete 180 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation days with the probation service, and pay a total of £320.