A DUDLEY amateur boxer who supplied cannabis to friends to fund his own habit has been ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid work in the community.

Harbinder Lally told Wolverhampton Crown Court Sean Smith, aged 27, had not touched the controlled drug since his arrest by police and he was now concentrating on getting fit for future boxing bouts.

Mr Lally, for Smith, said the father-of-one had so far had five amateur fights and he knew he had to stay away from cannabis if he was to get back into top shape.

Mr Lally added: "He wants to keep training, he is looking to train younger boxers and he is determined to lead a life away from criminal activity."

Smith, of Cornflower Crescent, Kates Hill, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply and also possessing a small amount of cocaine.

Recorder Richard Benson QC further placed Smith on supervision for a year and told him: "You are obviously now concentrating on getting fit.

"I hope you will respond to the leniency that has been meted out to you on this occasion. You will not get such sympathy the next time round."

David Lees, prosecuting, said police officers on duty in Dudley High Street saw Smith get into a parked car and there was an exchange with the driver.

The officers, suspecting him of drug dealing, noticed a strong smell of cannabis when they went to the vehicle and when searched Smith was found to be in possession of five bags of cannabis and three mobile telephones.

When his home was searched police found another £230 worth of the drug, a small amount of cocaine and a telephone contained a list of names who had been in regular contact with Smith.

The Recorder told Smith he was impressed with the steps he had taken to pull away from cannabis and concluded: "Make sure you keep control and keep fit for your amateur boxing."