A former youth worker, who was found with heroin worth more than £12,000 in his pocket, has been jailed for two years.

Bradford Crown Court was today told that 23-year-old family man Isaac Nash had been "stupid" when he acted as a courier for someone else.

Sentencing him, Recorder David Bradshaw said it was sad to see someone of his age, with no convictions, and with "absolutely glowing testimonials" to be involved in such a serious offence.

"I don't think you were involved directly, face to face, in street dealing," said the judge. "In my view you were acting as a courier for someone else. Nevertheless, it was a high quantity of drugs."

Nash, of Dene Crescent, Lidget Green, Bradford, was routinely stopped by police, driving his Vauxhall Vectra in Manchester Road, Bradford, on January 5 this year. He was searched and two polythene bags, containing 245 grammes of heroin with a street value of £12,250, were found in his jacket pocket.

Nash, formerly a voluntary youth worker but now a demolition worker, pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply.

His barrister, Jeremy Hill-Baker, said his client was a remarkable young man who did not fit the profile of those who committed such crimes.

"He was adamant he knew he had done wrong and wanted to plead guilty," said Mr Hill-Baker.

He added: "He will never appear in the criminal courts again. By these proceedings alone, he has learned his lesson."

Mr Hill-Baker said the gravity of what his client had done could be measured by a suspended sentence. "He is hard working. He would be able to keep his job, get accommodation, and carry out his family obligations."

But Recorder Bradshaw said he had to look beyond what Nash had done and at what would have happened if he had delivered the drugs to whoever they were intended for.

"They would inevitably have found their way onto the streets, with all the harm that causes, so it becomes a serious matter."

The judge said the least sentence he could pass was two years imprisonment.

He added: "I have to consider whether, in all the circumstances, that can be suspended. I regret I am not able to do that."