A CANNABIS dealer was warned to expect an immediate prison sentence.

Fayne Viegas, 18, was due to stand trial at Swindon Crown Court this week.

But appearing in the dock on Wednesday morning, Viegas, of Frobisher Drive, Walcot, pleaded guilty to a single charge of being concerned in the supply of a class B drug between August 19 and August 27 last year.

His advocate, Tony Bignall, asked the judge to adjourn the case for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Judge Jason Taylor QC said he would put the case back to July 26, but warned Viegas: “You should expect a custodial sentence which is immediate, do you understand that?”

Co-defendant Aaron Kuffour, 19, of Jacobs Walk, Liden, has already admitted being concerned in supplying cannabis. He will be sentenced alongside Viegas next month.

Susan Cavender appeared for the Crown Prosecution Service at the short hearing on Wednesday.

Officers said they seized more than £400 worth of drugs after they were initially called to what was believed to be a burglary in Brunel Crescent in August last year.

But when they stopped two suspects and searched them, they located 35 individual bags of cannabis and mobile phones.

PC Chris Hemns, from Wiltshire Police’s Operation Fortitude, welcomed the guilty pleas.

He said: “We know there is a perception amongst some that the sale and distribution of cannabis shouldn’t be considered a serious offence.

“However, it is clear that illegal drugs activity of any kind, is something our communities are greatly concerned about.

“Young people are often coerced into dealing Class B drugs, and then find themselves caught up in violence and intimidation, and all of this associated criminality causes frustration, upset and fear for others living in the community.

“We will continue to crack down on drug dealing and would urge people to report their suspicions to us so we can take action.”