An “easily-led” drug dealer, paid cash and cigarettes to run errands for criminals, has been spared jail.

Mohammed Jamil Khaliq, 20, was caught in Belgrave Road, Keighley, with 17 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday.

He pleaded guilty to two offences of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply on November 5 last year. Prosecutor Helen Chapman said Khaliq, of Broomfield Road, Keighley, was seen acting suspiciously at 11.15am. He was chased by police and arrested.

Some £30 in cash was found hidden in his shorts.

Khaliq’s barrister, Jayne Beckett, said he was of low intelligence and easily led.

He often stayed at home in his room because he was known in the community as a soft touch.

“He is the sort of young man that more sophisticated offenders lean on,” Mrs Beckett said. She said Khaliq hoped to resume his studies at Keighley College.

He was given a 12 month community order with an activity requirement, 80 hours of unpaid work and a three-month curfew.