A FATHER of two who was previously sentenced for money laundering, has been spared jail after being caught in possession of a class B drug.

Bobby Latham, born in 1988, of Taunton Road in Bridgwater, was stopped by police at 9:10pm as he was coming out of a property on Davies Close on October 22 2015, Taunton Crown Court heard.

Officers approached him as they could smell the scent of cannabis.

Miss Caighli Taylor, prosecuting, told the court how Latham, who lives in a caravan, had a black shoulder bag on his person.

"Latham was searched and officers found a black shoulder bag, with scales, clear sealable bags and 165 grams worth of cannabis.

"He was arrested and interviewed.

"Latham told police that he was asked by somebody else to hide it, stash it and look after it.

"He was given £10 for his troubles, and is a regular user himself."

The court heard how Latham, who has three previous offences, is already currently serving a two year suspended sentence for money laundering.

Miss Taylor said: "On November 27 2014, Latham was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, for money laundering.

"He is in breach of that order."

Defending Latham, Mr Patrick Mason, told the court how he came to be involved with people committing fraud.

"Latham came to know people making money by fraud in the travelling community," said Mr Mason.

"He was asked to pay money into his bank account, as those people did not have one of their own, so he did.

"Latham is a father of two boys aged three and six, and has been recommended for community service.

"He previously did unpaid work as a gardener and was praised and given a good review."

Latham was sentenced to two months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work.

Sentencing His Honour Judge Patrick said: "I can't see why somebody would be asked to look after cannabis and then take it outside.

"It's nonsense.

"You were caught with a large amount of cannabis on a suspended sentence and you are lucky not to be sent to prison.

"It's illegal activity and it's about time we saw less of you."