A DRUG dealer caught with nearly £10,000 worth of cannabis told police it was for 'personal use'.

Despite his early protestations Dominic Fraser later admitted dealing the class B drugs after he was found to have 746.67g in a car.

The 21-year-old of Overmead, Abingdon, had already admitted possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing hearing yesterday how police stopped a Vauxhall Astra driven by Fraser at Stratton Way, Abingdon, in September last year.

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Prosecutors said the area was 'known for drug dealing' and when officers investigated the car they detected a strong smell of cannabis.

Searching the vehicle the found a haul of drugs that included two freezer bags of cannabis stashed in the boot.

Three further packages of the drugs were also found inside.

Drug experts valued the haul of drugs at about £9,200 if sold on the street.

Fraser was arrested and taken to the Abingdon police station where he claimed the drugs were for his ow personal use.

He also told officers he was a heavy user at the time and said it was 'cheaper to buy in bulk.'

Fraser went on to admit dealing and was sentenced yesterday.

In mitigation his defence team said Fraser had dreams of studying computer games development and that he had 'great potential.'

Sentencing, Judge Maria Lamb ordered a 15-month jail term, suspended for 18 months, as well as 200 hours of unpaid work to be completed.