A BARRY man has been handed a suspended jail sentence for possession of ecstasy, with intent to supply the drug.

Rhys Martin White, 30, of Y Rhodfa, pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing the class A drug at Cardiff Crown Court.

He was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years.

He was arrested on June 17 after police were called to Skomer Road over reports of a disturbance in which White was not involved.

But having searched White, they found 123 ecstasy tablets on him.

The court heard that White said he had been holding onto them for two friends ahead of taking them to the music festival Glastonbury.

In prosecuting, Tony Trigg said that there was the possibility they would sell to other people at the festival but that there was no commercial motive.

White's defence counsel, Lawrence Jones, highlighted that heWhite had no previous relevant convictions.

"This case has brought him to his senses," Mr Jones added.

"He has realised he needs to make changes in to this lifestyle."

He added that White only indulged in drugs at certain events, and knew it was best for his employment and himself that he stopped.

Mr Jones added: "It is clear that he has accepted the tablets were not all for his own use but there was nothing to suggest he was regularly selling."

He went on to say that White knew what he did was "stupid and naive" and that he was remorseful adding: "White no longer wants anything to do with recreational drugs."

In sentencing, Patrick Curran QC said that dealing class A drug is an offence that is so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified.

But he gave White full credit for pleading guilty and took into account his remorse and the fact he is in work, training to be a stone mason.

He was also given a community order to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months and ordered to pay £360 costs.