A judge has amended the sentence of a drug-dealer who was supplying to his own mum and he will no longer receive an immediate jail term.
James West was found with almost £4,000 worth of heroin in a car -which had been cut with caffeine and paracetamol - on April 19, 2020.
The 22-year-old was a passenger in the car at the time, which was being driven by his co-accused, Travis Dickinson, who was also in possession of heroin.
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West appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, and was jailed for 27 months.
But on Wednesday, another court hearing was held by Judge Ray Singh, who decided to amend West's original sentence.
The judge told the court he had had more time since Tuesday to "reflect" on the sentence he imposed on West.
He said after re-considering his calculation between a "lesser" and "significant" role of defendant, he could bring the sentence down to 24-months, putting it in the range where it could be suspended.
The court was told on Tuesday that West had been supplying drugs to his own mother.
However, at the mention hearing held on Wednesday, Judge Singh said there had been difficulties in West's upbringing which did not give him "the best start in life”.
Because of his misguided loyalty to his mum, the judge said he would allow him to show that he could abide by an order made by the court.
The sentence was then amended to 24 months in prison, suspended for 24 months
West, of Malone Gardens, Birtley, must also complete 180-hours’ unpaid work and attend 30 rehabilitation activity appointments.
He was also made subject of a four-month, 9pm to 6am, electronically-monitored curfew.
Judge Singh warned West that any failure to meet conditions would see him back before the judge who would activate the two-year sentence.
At his original sentencing hearing, which also involved his co-accused, Travis Dickinson, the court heard that patrolling police officers pulled over a blue Volkswagen Golf, which contained the two defendants, and had no registered keeper.
When the men were searched, West was found with one bag of heroin in his hand, and 13 wraps in his jogging bottoms.
A mobile phone that was also found, contained messages relating to drug dealing, with some referencing "Big Trav".
Dickinson told the officers he was also in possession of heroin and was "quick to tell police where they were".
Five wraps of heroin were found in his shorts pocket and a "number of debit cards" that belonged to other people were also found in the car.
The court heard that West was in possession of 38.2g of heroin, which was of 15% purity and also contained "caffeine and paracetamol".
West, also had 12 further wraps, totalling just over 18g of heroin.
A drug expert estimated the potential street value as being £3,820.
Dickinson, who had a previous conviction for possession of cocaine, was found with 6.97g of heroin in five packages.
During mitigation, a relative of West said he had previously been homeless and was a talented boxer in his youth.
She said he later moved to Scotland to be with his mum, who is battling a drug addiction.
She added that West has recently gained employment and is training to be a plasterer.
The court was told West also had a "drugs debt" himself and was "supplying" his own mum with drugs around the time of the offence.
Dickinson, who appeared to be "intoxicated" during the hearing, was sentenced in his absence after the judge told him to leave the courtroom for talking.
Dickinson was given a 12 month conditional discharge for the possession offence.
