Judge told man, 62, who hid cannabis at Hartlepool home: '˜You're too old for this'

Michael Jackson appeared before Teesside Crown Court for possessing the drug with intent to supply it.

The court heard Jackson was acquitted of being involved in a conspiracy to supply cocaine for which Hartlepool men David Gallagher and David Haggan were each jailed for 13 years.

“The 250g bar of cannabis was found in Jackson’s house as part of the inquiry into the cocaine conspiracy,” said Adrian Dent, prosecuting.

“Jackson claimed at first it was for his own use and that of friends, but he now accepts there was an element of commercial supply.”

The court was told investigators assessed Jackson’s benefit from crime to be £1,041.

Mr Dent added: “He has a realisable asset of a people carrier valued at about £1,200.”

Jackson, of Kilmarnock Road, Hartlepool, admitted possessing a class B drug with intent to supply it in December 2014.

Joe Spencer, defending, said in mitigation: “Mr Jackson does have a long record, but his last drugs offence was in 1990.

“His health is not good, he has ulcers on his feet which prevent him wearing normal shoes. The probation report says his risk of re-offending is low.”

Judge Shaun Morris sentenced Jackson to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and a curfew of six months.

The judge told him: “Your previous convictions go back to the days of larceny.

“You are getting too old for this. Go away, look after yourself, and don’t let me see you again.”

Jackson was ordered to pay £1,041 as the proceeds of crime within three months.