A TEENAGER found in possession of almost £600 of cannabis was part of an "amateurish operation", Truro Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Jacob Davey, aged 19, of Treassowe Road, Penzance, was caught by police in woods behind Penzance Fire Station on August 1 last year.

Prosecutor Ramsay Quaife explained that there were four men in total, who were at a table which contained cannabis, bongs and grinders. 

Davey had 59.98g of cannabis, which had a street value of £595. There were also other items including scales and an iphone.

In police interview the defendant said the drugs were for his use, as he smoked three to four grams a day to help him sleep and ease his anxiety.

He added that his friends were smoking their own and that the messages found on the iphone related to a one-off deal to some mates.

Defending, Robin Smith said that Davey was a "terrified 19 year-old who had jumped into the court system with both feet for the first time". 

He added that Davey had been part of an "amateurish operation" and he had used the drug to help him sleep and calm him down.

Mr Smith added that since his arrest, he no longer used the drug and had held down a job for almost two years. 

For possession of drugs with intent to supply, Judge Simon Carr sentenced Davey to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months.

He ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and Davey will be electronically monitored for two months. He must pay costs of £250.