The parents of two young Felixstowe children hid drugs in the family's garden shed, Ipswich Crown Court has been told.

James Southey and his partner Samantha Baker of Runnacles Way, Felixstowe, escaped immediate jail sentences after admitting keeping cannabis in the locked shed of their home.

Ipswich Crown Court heard that police went to the pair's home in May last year, after an officer noticed a strong smell of cannabis on Southey when he stopped him near Maidstone Road in the town.

Southey admitted being in possession of a small amount of cannabis, and during a search, police found a lock-knife and a phone with incriminating messages.

Following his arrest police went to Southey's home and discovered 48.9g of cannabis and containers of herbal cannabis in the garden shed.

Southey admitted he'd been selling cannabis to friends for about six months to pay for his own cannabis use.

Southey, 34, now of Runnacles Way, Felixstowe, admitted possession of cannabis with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis and possession of a lock knife.

Southey was given a ten month prison sentence suspended for two years, a 35 day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to do 140 hours unpaid work.

Baker, aged 33, had no previous convictions and she and Southey had two children. She told the court she had been involved at her own free will and admitted possession of cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

She was given a two year community order, a 15 day rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to do 120 hours unpaid work.

Thee court was told that Southey was now working as a cleaner and there was no evidence of an extravagant lifestyle.