A 32-year-old with a history of drug offences narrowly escaped a prison term after he was caught with cannabis.Shannon Trott was lectured at length by Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner after he pleaded guilty to possession of the drug.He told Magistrates’ Court: “At the end of the day when the children are asleep I go outside and smoke a joint to relax, I have been cutting down on smoking though.”He continued: “I have my own business, I support my family and I deal with my children everyday.”Mr Warner chastised the Devonshire resident, noting he had been through the drug court rehabilitation programme.“You’re still committing a crime and there is no other alternative but pure punishment,” the Magistrate said.“The core issue for you is mentally you refuse to accept that marijuana is dangerous for you. It’s the root that led you to other drugs and it’s illegal for a good reason — you’re telling me that marijuana makes you feel good?”Trott replied: “I’m just being honest.”Mr Warner noted it was “really not his job” to take the time to talk to the defendant “in this forum”.He sentenced Trott to three months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. He also ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine before June 15.Mr Warner added: “I hear you have gotten your own business and that you’re trying to do better but you better honour these special circumstances. This is another chance for you to get your thinking right.”