A 60-YEAR-OLD Bournemouth man has avoided prison after officers found cocaine and cannabis at his home.

William McLean O'Donnell was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court in relation to possession with intent to supply the class A and class B drugs.

This came almost three years after officers first stopped his vehicle and arrested him on suspicion of drug offences.

An investigation by Dorset Police followed, with officers from the Bournemouth North Neighbourhood Policing Team finding a quantity of cannabis and cocaine at O'Donnell's home address.

He was subsequently charged and appeared before the courts for his crimes, which he admitted.

On Tuesday, June 9, a judge at Bournemouth Crown Court handed O'Donnell, of Western Avenue, Bournemouth, a 22-month prison sentence, suspended for 2 years. He was also ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and to pay a victim surcharge of £140.

Investigations Officer Emily Greenwood, of Bournemouth CID, said: “I hope this case demonstrates to the local community that we are committed to tackling this issue and reducing drug related activity.

“We will continue to do everything we can to apprehend offenders and bring them before the court.

“We are also reliant on members of the public reporting any information they have in relation to drug dealing or drug related activity. Contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101.”

Detailing the events that led to O'Donnell being charged, a Dorset Police spokesperson said: "At around 5.40pm on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, officers spotted a vehicle leave an address on Western Avenue in Bournemouth following information about reported drugs offences.

"Officers stopped the vehicle and the occupant was arrested.

"A search was subsequently carried out by officers from Bournemouth North Neighbourhood Policing Team of his home address and vehicle and a quantity of cannabis and cocaine was located. Drugs paraphernalia was also seized.

"A 60-year-old man from Bournemouth was charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of class A and class B."