A DRUG dealer tried to eat the cannabis he was selling after being caught by store security guards who suspected him of shoplifting.

Bolton Crown Court heard how Adam Walker and pal Robbie Wilson were seen wandering around the Tesco store in Farnworth on July 18 last year.

Juliet Berry, prosecuting, said Walker was carrying a holdall and staff suspected them of shoplifting.

When the pair left the shop, they were apprehended by security staff and led back inside.

In a room at the shop Walker then grabbed hold of a towel which had been in the bag, clutching it to his chest.

But Miss Berry said that as he did so, snap bags of cannabis and cash fell from the towel.

As Wilson made a bid to escape, Walker attempted to bite a security guard's hand before ripping open one of the cannabis bags and trying to eat the drug.

In total 85 snap bags of cannabis had been in the holdall, with a street value of £1,540, along with £830 cash - the proceeds of dealing that 22-year-old Walker had already undertaken.

A police search of Walker's home revealed eight plant pots, cannabis stalks and lighting equipment used to grow the plants.

Wilson, who had a small amount of cannabis found in his pocket and a further small quantity at his home, told police he knew nothing about the large quantity of the drug in Walker's holdall.

Walker, of Prescott Street, Worsley, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply and Wilson, aged 23, of Rothwell Crescent, Little Hulton admitted possessing cannabis.

Phillip Barnes, defending Walker, said he was a vulnerable young man who lives a socially isolated life with his cat, lacks a positive family influence and who is often taken advantage of by others.

The court heard that Walker also has a previous conviction for producing cannabis when he was 17 years old and has never worked.

"What Mr Walker has come to realise now is that he has wasted all his adolescence and adulthood," said Mr Barnes.

Kimberley Morton, defending Wilson, stressed that he has no previous convictions and, had he not been with Walker when the cannabis was found in his pocket, might have only received a police warning or caution.

Recorder Anna Vigars sentenced Wilson to a conditional discharge for 12 months and a Walker was given a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Walker was also told he will be subject to an intensive order which includes a 9pm to 7am curfew for three months, rehabilitation activity for 40 days and he must spend 36 hours at an attendance centre.

"This is an opportunity for you, but I suspect its the last opportunity you will be given," Recorder Vigars told him.