A STUDENT'S drug dealing operation was uncovered during a random inspection of his university halls, a court heard.

Ryan Ashley was living at Bournemouth University's Lansdowne Point student accommodation when drugs, cash and dozens of small plastic bags were discovered in his room and kitchen area on November 24 last year.

Ashley, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply class A drugs, cocaine and MDMA, and two counts of possession with intent to supply class B drugs, cannabis and ketamine.

At Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, Ashley wiped away tears when he was told that he would avoid serving any jail time.

The court heard the defendant had been addicted to alcohol and drugs since the age of 13 - a problem which escalated when he began university. In his second year he began dealing to other students in order to help fund his habit.

During the search of his halls, person and car, around £400 worth of MDMA and £600 worth of cannabis were found. Much smaller amounts of cocaine and ketamine were also discovered.

Around 120 small plastic bags and £595 in cash were also found.

Ashley was described as a "street dealer" who had purchased the drugs himself from dealers in Bournemouth and Woking and sold them onto other students he knew.

Reka Hollos, defending, told the court Ashley "deeply regrets his conduct and knows he only has himself to blame".

"But what I will say is that this is a different man than the one who was arrested last year," she added.

"He has taken responsibility for his actions and is looking to change his life."

The court heard that Ashley had dropped-out of university since his arrest but had gotten himself a job working for travel and tourism back home in Guildford. He has also sought out counselling to help deal with his addiction problem.

Handing down his sentence Recorder James Watson QC said the fact that Ashley had approached those agencies was a "significant factor" in his decision.

Ashley was given a custodial sentence of 20 months, suspended for 18 months, as well as a 30 day activity requirement.