A DRUG dealer caught with hard drugs in a Gorse Hill alleyway has been spared jail after a judge heard it had taken more than a year for police to charge him.

Sumon Gurung was found in possession of crack cocaine after police spotted him off Cricklade Road almost two years ago.

But after hearing the 23-year-old had changed his life in the 21 months since the offence, getting off drugs and finding work, a judge imposed a suspended sentence.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how he was seen at the spot on Monday, December 12, 2012.

“He was arrested and told the police he had some ‘white’ up his bottom. It was duly found,” she said.

As well as the 11 wraps of crack cocaine, known as white, they also recovered five of heroin from his pocket.

She said that on his mobile phone they found text messages relating to the trade in crack cocaine.

Gurung, of Farnborough, Hampshire, admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and simple possession of heroin.

Mike Pulsford, defending, said in the time since the offences his client had moved back to his family home.

He said that it was through no fault of his own that it had taken so long for the case to come to court, as he was not charged until January this year.

Passing sentence, Judge Tim Mousley QC, said: “Although you were supplying drugs you were a runner for a dealer and supplying existing users.

“You made no financial gain from it but it meant you got some drugs for yourself and your basis of plea said you were only involved for a few days, no longer than that.

“You have shown remorse but most importantly you have taken real steps to overcome your drug problems. You are now clean of drugs and have been for some time now.

“That, and the face that this offence is nearly 21 months old, means that while I must impose a prison sentence I can suspend it, unusually.”

He imposed a 21-month jail term suspended for two years and told him to forfeit the £175 found on him when he was arrested and pay a £100 victim surcharge.