AN Andover man who was caught with possession of cannabis with intent to supply has avoided jail.

Joshua Lambell, 31, of Galahad Close in Andover, was sentenced at Winchester Crown Court on Friday, June 28. He was arrested from a property in Andover on September 22, 2022, with 95 grams of cannabis.

Prosecutor Matthew Parris informed the court that Lambell admitted to being a "heavy cannabis user" consuming "half ounce daily" since the age of 13.

READ MORE: Murder victim sought help to pay off drug debt days before death, court told

In mitigation, defence counsel Graham Gilbert said Lambell is a man of limited means.

He also cited the significant delay in bringing the case to court as a mitigating factor.

Sentencing him, Judge Francis Burrell said: “Lambell, you have been incredibly stupid.

“You have been taking cannabis for a very long time. If you go on doing that you will probably have psychiatric problems. Because that’s what it does and I’m sure you know that. You must get out of it.

“Given everything that’s said, I can only fine you. If I had the powers, I would be considering even a community sentence, or even a short custodial sentence, trying to get you realise that you are jeopardising your future.”

The judge ordered him to pay £100 fine and £135 costs within three months.

SEE ALSO: Phil Spencer names Hampshire town as great downsizing spot

Following the sentence, Lambell was heard cheering at the lenient sentence as he walked out of the courtroom.

His voice could be heard inside the courtroom. The defence counsel acknowledged to the judge that his client should have "stayed quiet for a little longer".

Mr Gilbert then assured the court that he would speak to Lambell about the inappropriate outburst.