A Milford Haven man who acquired the nickname Ganja because of his heavy drug use was described as “the most honest and co-operative person you could meet,” by his defence lawyer on Tuesday.

Graham Wood, of 49 Prioryville, pleaded guilty at Haverfordwest magistrates court to charges of both possessing and supplying cannabis.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan described how police executed a search warrant at Wood’s home on Wednesday, January 13.

“The defendant handed over a carrier bag which contained 85 grams of herbal cannabis,” she said.

“Police gave this a street value of £485.”

Ms Morgan said another person on the premises, Thomas Matthews, had 9.1 grams of cannabis on him, which police valued at £20.

She said that during police interviews, Mr Matthews claimed Wood had sold him the drugs, something the defendant admitted during his own interview.

“The defendant admitted he had been a heavy user since school and used cannabis every day.

“He has acquired the nickname Ganja because of this and claims he covers his purchases with his wages from Lidl, where he works.”

Defence lawyer Mark Layton said for his client to sell cannabis was a one-off occasion.

He described Wood, 23, as “honest and co-operative”, and said he had not touched cannabis since his arrest.

“He says he has not found it difficult and feels better for not using it, and he has no intention of returning to using it again.

Mr Layton said his client had been very concerned about appearing in court and wouldn’t be appearing before magistrates again.

He added the value of the 85 grams had been given at the maximum possible street value, and in reality was worth “substantially less”.

Wood was sentenced to a 40-hour community order and ordered to pay £45 prosecution costs.