A judge told a convicted drug dealer that when he first saw him he came across as "arrogant".
But Judge James Patrick advised Ismael Guleed he had been able to glean more about him and had decided not to send him straight to prison.
Guleed, 25, of Argyle Street in St Pauls, pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
The charges spanned between April and June last year, Bristol Crown Court heard.
The judge handed him six months' jail, suspended for two years, with rehabilitation and 80 hours' unpaid work.
Guleed was told to pay £425 prosecution costs.
He told Guleed: "When I read the papers you came across as an arrogant young man.
"I'm delighted that time has put a little flesh onto the bones."
The judge said Guleed had been giving his mother very particular support and people who know him think well of him.
However, he warned Guleed not to re-offend, saying he may not be so fortunate if there was a next time.
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Judge Patrick told him: "You are not a British citizen, be very, very careful.
"It may well be somebody will decide that this nation would be better off without you.
"That's really in your hands.
"I hope not to see you again."
