A DRUG dealer was told to “get a grip” by a judge after admitting to trading “spice” to his friends.

Southampton man Simon Barnes pleaded guilty to possessing the class B drug with intent to supply after police caught him with 11 bags of synthetic cannabinoid 5F-ADB – commonly known as spice – in July 2016.

Spice is a mix of herbs (shredded plant material) and man-made chemicals with mind-altering effects. It is often called “synthetic marijuana” or “fake weed” .

When Barnes, 30, was arrested he was found with £120 worth of the drug on him.

Southampton Crown Court was told that Barnes would only deal to friends.

Prosecuting, Roderick Blain said the green substance found on Barnes was “extremely potent” and “more toxic than most other drugs”.

He said: “Officers believed the defendant was acting suspiciously.

"They searched him and when he dropped his trousers down they found some black bags containing herbal substances.

“At first they thought it was cannabis.”

Mr Blain added: “When the officers searched his accommodation there were 59 empty sachets containing traces of the substances.”

The court heard that Barnes had been convicted 60 times for 118 offences, nearly all of which were for theft or breaching community orders.

Mitigating, Berenice Mulvanny told the court that when Barnes had been caught, it was not yet illegal to be found in possession of spice. Possession of the drug was outlawed in December 2016.

She said Barnes wanted to be sent to prison to help him tackle his drug addictions.

Ms Mulvanny added: “He is hoping for a fresh start...he was able to wean himself off class A drugs before but has got himself addicted to spice.”

In sentencing, Judge Christopher Parker QC said: “Mr Barnes, it is quite possible me and you will meet again in the future unless you get a grip of you life.

"If you don’t we will. Over to you.”

Barnes, of Millbrook Road West, was sentenced to five months in prison.