A man who was found in possession of cocaine and an ecstasy tablet after police received reports of an illegal rave being organised in Rendlesham Forest has been given a suspended prison sentence.

Jonathan Bichard, 35, of Blenheim Crescent, Thetford, was driving a van which was stopped by police stopped in Bromeswell, near Woodbridge, Suffolk, on December 12 last year, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Bichard admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possession of MDMA (ecstasy) and was given a nine-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Andrew Thompson, prosecuting, said that during a search of the cab of Bichard's van Bichard had tried to get in on the pretext of getting a light for his cigarette even though he had a lighter in his pocket.

In the cab officers found a large grip seal bag containing 30 smaller bags of a white crystalline substance which turned out to be cocaine.

Mr Thompson said a police drug expert estimated the cocaine could have been sold for between £1,200-£1,400 at the rave.

Recorder Bruce Houlder said the defendant had agreed to act as driver for the drugs to settle a drug debt.

The judge said that when police had approached the van Bichard had been handed the drugs and had put them in the centre console.

The judge accepted that Bichard wasn't going to be involved in selling the drugs at the rave.

Bichard must also undergo supervision for 12 months.

Jonathan Goodman for Bichard said his client had no previous convictions for drug offences.