A DUDLEY cocaine dealer has been allowed to keep his freedom as a reward for being honest after his arrest.

Judge Martin Walsh described Rory Davies as a young man with great potential adding, “There are very few drug dealers who walk free from this court.”

He told 21-year-old Davies that class A drugs destroyed the lives of many people and they were a blight on the community.

And he stressed that people who sold drugs like cocaine normally received an immediate and substantial custodial sentence.

But he ruled after reading reports and a string of testimonials about Davies’ character he was just able to take an exceptional course and avoid putting him behind bars.

“I am just about persuaded to take a risk with you,” he told Davies.

“You were extremely frank with police. You are a young man of good character and I am prepared to give you a chance.”

Davies, of Highland Road, admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and criminal damage after putting his foot through a shed roof as he tried to get away from police.

He was given a two year jail term, suspended for two years and must obey a four month curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

Davies must also attend a drug rehabilitation programme.

Edward Soulsby, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court that patrolling police officers saw Davies about to carry out a drug deal.

They blocked his vehicle onto a car park but he then made off and he damaged the shed roof after being seen to throw away his mobile telephone.

Jas Mann, defending, said Davies, a cocaine addict, only sold drugs to likeminded users and he panicked when he saw the police officers.

He said he had been associating with a young girl who was a drug addict and he began to use cocaine as well.

Mr Mann said: “He is a thoroughly decent, hardworking young man and at one stage he was considered to be a promising footballer.

“He is thoroughly ashamed and shocked to the core by what he has done.

"He will never again involve himself in drug use in the future.”