A former Otley man has been cleared by a jury of possessing cocaine, at his home in Ilkley, with intent to supply.

Scott Hehir, 22, was found not guilty yesterday, following a two-day trial at Bradford Crown Court. The jury took only half an hour to reach its verdict.

Hehir, formerly of Crossgate, Otley, but now of Otley Road, Bradford, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

But he had pleaded guilty to simple charges of possessing cocaine and cannabis.

Following yesterday’s verdict, and a fast-track probation report, he was sentenced to a 12-month community order, with 100 hours unpaid work, by Recorder Eric Elliott QC.

The judge said that on September 27, 2009, police executed a search warrant at Hehir’s then home, in Leeds Road, Ilkley, and he was found to be in possession of cocaine and two cannabis joints.

Recorder Elliott told him: “Had you been convicted of possession with intent to supply, I would have been looking at an immediate custodial sentence.”

Recorder Elliott said he had taken into account Hehir’s age, previous good character, and domestic circumstances.