A SOUTH Cumbria chef has been sentenced today after he admitted a cannabis supply crime.

Carlisle Crown Court heard how Robert Pendleton's offence, on November 20 last year, was unearthed by an RAC repair man.

The repair man had been called to mend a vehicle parked behind a restaurant at Sandside, near Milnthorpe.

Nobody was present but he received permission to enter the vehicle. When he did so, he detected a "very strong" smell of cannabis from a black bag on a seat.

Pendleton's fingerprint was found inside the bag, which contained around 130g of the class B drug. After attending the scene, he was arrested by police who had been called by the RAC employee.

Pendleton, a full-time agency chef had admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply it socially to a small group of friends.

The court heard he had used the drug for several years and had spent around £200 a week on his habit, but was seeking assistance.

Pendleton, of Stonebridge Close, The Green, Millom, was told to complete a 12-month drug rehabilitation requirement. He must also pay £2,000 court costs.