A Worthing man has been spared a jail sentence for drug dealing.

Jonathan Caplin, 23, of Cranworth Road, had been caught with ecstasy tablets at a night club.

He told police they were for personal use but was later convicted on two charges of possessing the drug with intent to supply.

Chichester Crown Court heard yesterday the drugs were found 14 months ago but Caplin has cleaned up his act since then.

Alex Cranbrook, prosecuting, said Caplin was caught with ecstasy at the Area 51 nightclub in Worthing, by bouncers who thought he was under the influence of drugs and called police.

He was arrested after being found with 21 ecstasy tablets. More than 100 pills were later found at his home.

The court heard he was a heavy ecstasy user who had first experimented with drugs at the age of 14.

Caplin was given 240 hours' community service and a six-month curfew banning him from leaving home after 8pm.

He was also ordered to pay costs of £440 and will be electronically tagged.