A MAN who kept cannabis worth some £88,000 in the loft spent Christmas in prison this year.

Dennis Terry Michael Julian was stopped behind the wheel of a Ford Focus on the M25 in January 2018. Police had spotted him driving erratically between junctions 6 and 7.

After signalling for Julian, 36, to pull over, the officers "immediately" smelled cannabis in the car, a court heard this month.

A search of the car was carried out on the roadside and police found cash, a quantity of cannabis and a black iPhone. Julian also had a kitchen knife under his top.

On Monday, January 22 2018 – the day after the stop – Dorset Police officers searched Julian's home in Wingfield Road, Sherborne. They found £15,180 in cash hidden in a number of rooms.

They also searched a second address in Sherborne, which was also used by the defendant, and found cannabis and a large set of digital scales.

Julian was released under investigation while enquiries continued.

However, on Wednesday, April 25, he was arrested in connection with an unrelated matter.

When police searched his car, they found bags stuffed with cannabis in the boot. Julian was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Officers then searched another address in Sherborne known to be used by the defendant. A 'significant' quantity of cannabis was found in the loft.

A drugs expert later stated that the estimated street value was around £88,000.

Earlier this month, Julian admitted two counts of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply it, possessing criminal property and having an article with a blade or point.

Detective Constable Declan Cummings, of Weymouth CID, said: “We are determined to prevent people like Dennis Julian from dealing drugs in our community. We will do everything we can to apprehend offenders such as Julian and bring them before the court.

“We are committed to working with our partners and the community to tackle drug misuse and dealing and I would urge anyone with information about suspected drug related activity to contact us via dorset.police.uk or by calling 101.”