A DRUG dealer will have to pay zero cash back to the state - but the judge said if he had sentenced him he would have banned him from driving to stop him ferrying drugs about in future.

Michael Smith was sentenced to 18 months in prison for possession with intent to supply class B drugs when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court.

Jailed on July 21 this year, Smith was back before a judge in Worcester on Wednesday to consider a proceeds of crime application which is where the courts attempt to confiscate cash obtained illegally including money from drug dealing.

The 38-year-old defendant appeared over prison videolink.

Tom Kenning, prosecuting, said the Crown Prosecution Service would not be pursuing a proceeds of crime application after the financial investigation unit considered the defendant's means, assets and bank accounts.

"We do not consider it is in the public interest to pursue a proceeds of crime application," he said.

Judge James Burbidge QC authorised the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs seized.

Judge Burbidge told Smith: "If I had sentenced you I would have disqualified you from driving. If you are minded to ferry drugs around in future you would be disqualified from driving."

The case against Smith of Cook Terrace, Dukinfield, Greater Manchester involved drug dealing in Herefordshire.