A YOUNG couple caught dealing cannabis in Kidderminster over a nine-month period have escaped a jail sentence.

Phillip Hubble admitted supplying the drug on a commercial basis to a small circle of friends.

Hubble's ex-girlfriend, 19-year-old Gemma Collins, admitted allowing his house in Offmore Road to be used for the supply of cannabis.

Both were ordered to carry out community work.

Their dealing came to light when police raided Hubble's home in September last year. He was at work but Collins was there.

Officers found cannabis in the lounge and bedroom, said William Rickarby, prosecuting. There were also scales and plastic bags.

Hubble estimated that he had made £3,000 from his dealing and used the money to fund the couple's own drug habit.

Samantha Forsyth, defending, said 20-year-old Hubble was a hard-working and intelligent young man who held a responsible job. He had not taken cannabis since his arrest.

Gareth Walters, for Collins, said she now lived with her mother in Mitton Street, Stourport-on-Severn, and had no income. She had recently applied unsuccessfully for 15 jobs.

Recorder Anthony Palmer QC said the offences normally merited custody but he felt that as the couple had split, the offences were unlikely to be repeated.

Hubble was ordered to do 100 hours community service and pay £258 costs.

Collins was ordered to do 60 hours community work.