A judge conceded that sending a man to jail would be disastrous for both him and his family.
But he said that sentencing guidelines for the dealing of a Class A drug gave him no other choice.
Warren Murphy, 22, of Cleeve Grove in Keynsham, pleaded guilty to supplying a quantity of cocaine in Saltford on September 20 last year.
He also admitted possessing cannabis.
Sitting at Bristol Crown Court, Judge Martin Picton jailed him for two years and four months.
He told the court: "I have to apply the sentencing guidelines by the statute.
"It is a disaster for him, it is a disaster for his family and they are all going to regret this for years.
"I just can't get out of the inevitability.
"I will keep it as short as I possibly can."
The judge determined Murphy had benefited through crime in the sum of £2,015.
He confiscated an available £1,685 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
See the crime rates in your neighbourhood, powered by In Your Area:
Drugs recovered in the case were forfeited for destruction.
Dianne Heys, defending, urged the judge for leniency.
She said: "He is wholly aware of the sentencing guidelines and has come to court prepared.
"This was dealing for a short period of time to a group of people.
"He's learned his lesson.
"He's never going to appear before the court again."
