A SWEET-TOOTHED Tonbridge teenager has been handed a community order after being caught in possession of cannabis.

Gavin Gale, 18, of Northwood Road, was found to be carrying 41g of the drug, worth £200, after he was searched.

He was initially stopped by police after shoplifting a packet of Rice Krispies Squares and a chocolate bar on October 1 last year in Tonbridge. He pleaded guilty to both offences, and also to failing to surrender to custody while on bail.

At Sevenoaks Magistrates' Court, Sasha Alexander defended Gale saying he was drunk at the time of the incident and was now trying to be more responsible.

Chairman of the bench Keith Johnson handed Gale a 12-month community order and a nine-month period of supervision. He was also made to pay £85 costs.