"As thin as a cigarette paper" was how close a man came to going to prison.
Luke Dunning was caught with cocaine after police investigated suspicious activity at a caravan.
Bristol Crown Court heard they executed a search warrant at the caravan and found Class A drugs as well as drugs paraphernalia.
Dunning, 24, of Badgeworth in Yate, pleaded guilty to possessing Class A drug cocaine with intent to supply.
Judge Julian Lambert was told he had moved from the area to live elsewhere with a family member, and was working as a carer.
The judge handed him 12 months' prison, suspended for two years.
He told Dunning: "In the past I believe you were acquainted with how thin a cigarette paper is.
"Be aware that's how close you came to being sent to prison."
"You will turn away from the world of drugs for good."
Dunning was handed 280 hours' unpaid work and told to abide by a curfew in which he must be at home from 11pm to 5.30am.
Alun Williams, prosecuting via video link, said police visited a caravan parked in a layby in Wick after concerns were raised about goings-on there.
Mr Williams said: "Police knocked on the door and the defendant answered.
"A second male was inside.
"Both men were asked to step outside whilst a drug search was conducted after cannabis was smelled."
Police then noticed the other man trying to hide a bag of drugs.
Mr Williams said: "He opened a window and dived out into the road.
"He escaped and dropped a phone in the process.
"The dog unit was brought in to track him."
The court heard police found 13g of cocaine in the caravan along with phones, SIM cards, scales, a grinder, a small amount of cash and snap bags.
Dunning was taken into custody and produced a block of cocaine weighing 27g worth some £900 to £1,500.
He gave police a statement saying the drug was for personal use and he bought in bulk.
Daniel Woodman, defending, said his client had moved away from previous influences and was working.
