A persistent cannabis user was jailed for 12 months at Oxford Crown Court after a judge told him there were better ways to overcome his problems, writes Colin Fenton.

But he will regain his freedom very quickly and hopes to marry his girlfriend.

Iftikar Hamid, 29, of Plowman Tower, Northway Estate, Oxford, admitted possessing cannabis resin with a street value of £1,200 with intent to supply when police raided his flat on September 13 last year.

His partner, Gemma Foulis, 23, who lives with him, admitted possessing a small amount of cannabis and was put on probation for 12 months, providing she continues with her drug rehabilitation. David Taylor, defending, said Hamid had been taking cannabis for years to cope with stress and depression after he was attacked in Pakistan.

He had a number of convictions for possessing the drug.

But Judge Anthony King told him: "Abusing drugs doesn't help you and your problems, and there are other and better ways of being treated."

He said Hamid would serve half the sentence of 12 months but having spent the last five months in custody, he would soon be released and the court heard the couple were hoping to marry soon.

Story date: Monday 28 February

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