A JUDGE branded a man “monumentally stupid” for selling drugs at the V music festival – but didn’t send him to prison.

Jason Cox, 22, of Grange Road, Grays, was seen by undercover police officers dealing drugs a the annual event in Chelmsford last year.

He was stopped and searched and officers found three different drugs on him – ecstasy, a variant of ecstasy and ketamine.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Cox was spotted at the festival, in Hylands Park, on August 18. Apart from the drugs, £780 was also seized by the police.

Cox admitted three charges of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

Judge Karen Walden-Smith jailed him for two years – suspended for two years – and gave him 300 hours of unpaid work.

He was also told to pay £1,200 costs, and the £780 found on him was confiscated.

The judge told Cox: “You did something that was monumentally stupid and I cannot imagine how your parents must feel.

“I accept you were acting as a hub for your friends and acquaintances, but you must realise the supply of drugs at music festivals is a well-known evil.”

Cox had acted out of character and regretted his actions, his barrister, Andrew Causner, told the court.

He said references and letters praised him, saying he was a hard-working young man.