An Abbots Langley man caught in his car with five bags of herbal cannabis has been given a 12 month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Matthew Bedford, 22, was sitting in his Fiat Punto which was parked Woodland Way, Watford.

Police officers had been called to a house nearby on a completely unconnected matter.

But, St Albans crown court heard that the smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle was so strong, the officers were soon tapping on the window.

As a result Bedford was arrested and taken to Watford Police Station for questioning.

Officers also went to his home in Kindersley Way, Abbotts Langley, and in his bedroom they found more cannabis, scales, bags, clingfilm, two cannabis grinders and more than £4,000 cash.

Passing sentence Judge Michael Baker QC told Bedford: "It's absolutely clear you were operating as a dealer."

In addition to the suspended sentence Bedford was told he must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 month and for the next six month he will be subject to a home curfew between 9pm and 5am.

  • The convicted man is in no way connected to the Three Rivers councillor Matthew Bedford who also lives in Kindersley Way.