A drug dealer caught with three packets of heroin taped to his manhood has avoided jail after convincing a judge that he has now overcome his own drug addiction.

But before walking free from Gloucester crown court last Friday Thomas Dainty, 25, was given a taste of prison by being locked up in the court cells for four hours.

Dainty, of Beckford Road, Abbeymead, admitted possessing heroin with intent to supply on September 10 this year.

When he appeared before the court earlier this month his case was adjourned for him to undergo blood and other tests to prove his claim that he has been clean of drugs since.

Last Friday the court heard that the tests had confirmed he was clean and Judge Ian Lawrie QC sentenced him to a three year community order - instead of the 27 months jail he had warned him to expect if he had tested positive for recent drug use.

The judge heard that police officers patrolling the Matson area of Gloucester on Sept 10 spotted Dainty dealing drugs from a distinctive black and orange motorbike in a supermarket car park.

When he was searched by the police the officers found three packages of heroin, valued at £90, taped to his penis. He also had £310 in cash on him - and a 'burner' mobile phone.

Robert Morgan-Jones, defending, said that Dainty accepts that he was involved in dealing at that time - but since his arrest and the realisation he faced jail he had stopped using drugs and was attending drug counselling sessions. He had also found work.

Judge Lawrie told Dainty he would make him spend some time in the cells below the dock to reflect on his future.

He added: "This is what your life will be like if you fail to up hold the sentence I will impose on you."

On being released Dainty told the judge: "I reflected on how I have made a big mistake. It is very depressing in the cells. It's not a future I want to consider."

Judge Lawrie told Dainty: "You've been very stupid. You were an idiot to get involved with drugs.

"Drug dealers have little regard for your well-being.

"Your involvement is part of a process that is contributing to the drug problem in Gloucestershire.

"I've thought long and hard about your punishment. However your advocate has convinced me to steer away from custody.

"Now that you have demonstrated that you are free of drugs let's keep it that way.

"I am going to sidestep the 27 month jail sentence that I had worked out to be your sentence and instead subject you to a three-year community order with a number of conditions because I believe you have a realistic prospect of rehabilitation."

The judge subjected Dainty to 30 day programme requirement; drug rehab activity requirement days for six months; 250 hours of unpaid work and a monthly review at the crown court.

The judge also ordered that Dainty pay £340 towards court costs and a victim surcharge of £90.

He also ordered for the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and the phone and the confiscation of the cash found on him as proceeds of crime which will be donated to Gloucestershire Police's drug prevention education programme.

"You need to stay off drugs and take care not to slip back into old habits," concluded Judge Lawrie.

"You have been given an opportunity. Don't waste it."