A DRUG dealer has been given one last chance to stay out of jail by a judge at Bolton Crown Court.

Steven Alker, aged 38, of Church Street, Westhoughton, pleaded guilty to possessing amphetamines and possession of amphetamines with intent to supply.

Alexander Langhorn, prosecuting, said police searched Alker’s home on December 17 last year and found 316g of amphetamine with a street value of up to £4,000, along with £305, scales, lists and mobile phones.

Alker, who has been addicted to the drugs for the last 18 years, initially tried to claim all the drugs police found were for his own use but eventually admitted he was dealing in order to fund his own habit.

Nicholas Ross, defending, said although Alker had a long history of drug taking, he is now claiming to be free of amphetamines since he went to live with his widowed father.

Saying it might be his last chance, Judge Maureen Roddy sentenced Alker to 12 months in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered that he do 300 hours unpaid work as well as being subject to a 7pm to 6am curfew for six months.