A carpenter avoided jail "by the skin after his teeth" after being caught with cocaine.
Police stopped Jamie Skuse in Bristol in November last year.
Bristol Crown Court heard there was a strong smell of cannabis both from him and the car and Skuse appeared to be nervous.
A search of the vehicle revealed 19 bags of white powder in the centre console, found to be 42g of cocaine.
Skuse was tested and found to be under the influence of drugs.
The 22-year-old, whose address was given as St Edwards Road in Clifton, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and driving under the influence of drugs.
Judge Julian Lambert asked Skuse's mother if she would have him at her home, and her reply was "definitely".
The judge imposed a two year jail term, suspended for two years, with the condition Skuse lives at his mum's address for two years, abide by a curfew, and undergo rehabilitation.
Skuse was banned from driving for 18 months.
He told Skuse: "Any more offending and you'll go straight down.
'By the skin of your teeth'
"I'm out on a limb, I've gone as far as a judge can go.
"By the skin of your teeth you have your liberty today."
Neil Treharne, prosecuting, told the court Skuse was arrested and made full and frank admissions.
He told police he intended to sell the drug to friends to get money to get back on his feet after a difficult time.
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Matthew Comer, defending via Skype due to coronavirus lockdown, said his client was offered cocaine to sell as a means of making money to try and find somewhere to live.
Mr Comer said Skuse had suffered significant mental health problems and had decided "rather half-heartedly" to try and get money this way in order to try and achieve some stability.
Mr Comer said: "He can work hard, find employment and be of genuine benefit to the community."
