A FORMER Ecstasy addict who managed to rehabilitate himself was spared a jail sentence at Southampton Crown Court after a judge heard how he had tackled his addiction.

George Bell was arrested after police had gone to his home on an unrelated matter and discovered he had five Ecstasy tablets.

They also found a mobile phone text messages indicating he had been supplying friends over a three month period.

Bell, 23, of Mayflower Road, Southampton, admitted possession and being concerned in the supply of Ecstasy.

Khalid Missouri, defending, described how Bell had begun using the class A drug when he was 17 and became addicted. He had no money and to fund his own habit sold to friends and acquaintances.

He had stopped before the police arrested him and he had since obtained a good job with good career prospects.

Bell received a two-year suspended sentence coupled with two years supervision and a 200-hour community work order.

He was also ordered to pay £425 costs.