A footballer has been given a suspended sentence for drugs offences after a Crown Court Recorder said he had a lot going in his favour.

Mehran Nassiri prosecuting told Leeds Crown Court John Cyrus was stopped driving a Vauxhall Corsa on Dog Kennel Bank, Huddersfield on May 1 last year and a breath test proved positive for alcohol.

The car was searched and two small bags of cannabis worth £31 were found and his home was then searched.

When officers got to the address in Norwood Road, Birkby his brother was asleep on the sofa and he was asked to point out which was Cyrus’s bedroom. They then seized 204 grammes of cannabis with a street value of £1,484.

Mohammed Khan representing Cyrus told the court: “This is a young man who has got a substantial number of positives to put to this court.”

He suggested those might mean sentence could be suspended. They included that he had been pursuing his education by doing a sports science and a gym instructor course but had put it on hold taking a gap year hoping to return to it in September.

He also had abilities as a footballer. “He started off as an amateur and his currently being paid by Frickley Athletic Club £120 a game.”

“It may not be much by Premiership standards,” said Mr Khan. “But it is something he has achieved through his hard work.”

Cyrus, 23, admitted possessing cannabis and possessing with intent to supply and was given a 12 month sentence suspended for 18 months with 200 hours unpaid work.

Recorder David Dobbin said it was sad to see a man of his talents in court on such charges but did not think he needed to jail him immediately.

“I know you are well educated and hopefully you will be able to resume at the local college to continue your course, there is much going on in your favour.”