POLICE found a CS gas canister in a car they stopped. After the discovery they went to driver Ian Lieb s home in Common View, Letchworth GC, where they found a large amount of herbal cannabis and a set of scales. Lieb, 30, appeared at Luton Crown Court on

POLICE found a CS gas canister in a car they stopped.

After the discovery they went to driver Ian Lieb's home in Common View, Letchworth GC, where they found a large amount of herbal cannabis and a set of scales.

Lieb, 30, appeared at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday where he admitted possessing a kilogram of cannabis with intent to supply and a second charge of possessing a weapon.

Phillip Misner, prosecuting, told the court how on Monday, March 6 last year, at about 1.30pm police stopped a black VW Golf being driven by Lieb in Wilbury Hills Road, Letchworth GC.

Officers could smell cannabis on the defendant and as they searched the car they discovered a black can of CS gas.

Lieb claimed it was for his own protection.

Mr Misner said the police decided to search his home where they discovered the cannabis, scales, some cash and sealable bags.

The court was told that Lieb admitted using the cannabis and said the CS gas was in the car because he had been threatened by someone and it was there for his protection.

William Noble, defending, said Lieb suffered from cerebral palsy and used cannabis to alleviate the pain.

He said he and his friends had formed a syndicate to pool their money so that they could buy a bigger amount.

As a result, said Mr Noble, Lieb sold small amounts of the drugs to his friends so that he could fund his habit.

He stressed that the CS gas found in the car had nothing to do with his client's cannabis dealing.

Recorder Anthony Clover jailed Lieb for a total of 17 months.