Nashaun Joseph, 21, of Huddersfield, had been given a 12-month prison sentence in August, suspended for a year, for possessing a blade in public and possession of cannabis.[1] Joseph, formerly of Batley, was arrested on 14 October for unrelated matters and was found in possession of a small bag of cannabis.[1] Magistrates were told that he was in breach of the suspended sentence and had not yet done the unpaid work he had been ordered to do.[1]

The court heard that Joseph had been smoking cannabis since he was 12 and that his mental health had suffered since his release from custody.[1] He was about to receive help from the substance misuse charity Change Grow Live.[1]

Magistrates decided not to activate the prison sentence, saying there was a “chink of light” for him to stay out of custody and work with the Probation Service.[1] They told him it was likely to be his last opportunity and said: “I can’t guarantee you will be going home next time. Good luck. You are free to leave the court.”[1] Joseph was told to continue with the previous unpaid work order and was given a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement added to his suspended prison sentence.[1] He was also ordered to pay a fine and costs totalling £197.[1]