A dad-of-three who vowed to quit crime reoffended due to pressure to provide for his family, a court heard. Tobiah Rule was on licence and got work as a food delivery driver, Bristol Crown Court heard.
But when police visited his home regarding an unrelated matter they found him with a small quantity of cannabis. And his phone showed evidence of him dealing the Class B drug.
Rule, 31, of Combe Down in Bath, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Judge William Hart jailed him for 10 months.
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He told Rule: "You have a dreadful criminal record. You tried your best to lead a law-abiding life but I'm afraid you failed. I would be failing my public duty if I did not sent you immediately to custody today."
Ehsan Oarith, prosecuting, said in November police discovered 137.5g of cannabis at Rule's address. His phone contained messages sent out indicative of drug dealing, the court heard.
Mr Oarith said Rule was arrested and admitted the cannabis was his. He committed the offence when still on licence from a previous jail term.
Caitlin Evans, defending, said: "He tells me that after leaving prison after serving a significant time in custody he made real efforts to work as a deliver driver for a fast food restaurant. But he fell back into bad habits."
Miss Evans said a catalyst for her remorseful client's offending was pressure to provide for his family. She added that he was keen to get out of jail and be a dad.
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