A DAILY drug user was caught after hiding packets of cannabis in his pants.

Police were alerted to the smell after a routine car stop in Clacton.

Officers arrested 20-year-old Alexander Nicholson who was threatened with jail after his performance at Colchester Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Nicholson, of Key Road, Clacton, appeared in the dock in a sweater with “Criminal Le Damage” written large across the front.

The unemployed defendant told magistrates he spends his days getting high and looking for a job, but cannot find one.

He giggled when asked about his drug use, said he lives with his grandparents who do not know he is at court and cannot afford to pay any fine despite the money he spends on cannabis.

Chairman of the bench Jackie Froggatt said: “You are on the path to a custodial sentence.

“You have gone from cautions and warnings and now you are in a criminal court.

“You make no contribution to society but you believe you are due and find it funny.

“How do you think your grandparents would feel if we sent you to custody?

“It is time you wake up young man. We do not want to see you here again for your own benefit.”

Nicholson apologised to the court and said he was not laughing at the court but was “just really nervous”.

He said his family would be “disappointed” if they found out he was at court and said the court appearance was his wake-up call.

He added; “I need to put my efforts into being a useful member of society.”

He was fined £100 and ordered to pay £115 costs and charges, which will be deducted from benefits.

The offence took place on April 16.

He was caught with £30 cannabis divided into four bags and admitted one count of possession.

Nicholson has previous cautions for possession of cannabis and cocaine.