A JUDGE told an “entrenched drug dealer” that men like him are at the root of Bradford’s difficulties.

Mohammed Abbas, 41, of Great Horton Road, appeared before Bradford Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced, along with co-defendant Akbar Hussain.

Both were charged with the supply of cannabis and possession of cannabis with the intent to supply it.

The offences date back to January 30, 2020.

Prosecutor Brian Russell told the court that police officers were on Goit Side, in the city centre, when they saw a female whose demeanour suggested there would be a drug deal.

Minutes later, a black Audi A6 pulled up and an exchange took place. She was found to be in possession of cannabis.

Other officers were alerted to the Audi and followed the vehicle.

Just as they were catching up with the car, on Summerville Road, off Great Horton Road, an item was thrown from the nearside passenger window.

This was found to be a bag containing 29 bags of skunk cannabis. Cash, a grinder, plus a number of mobile phones were found in a search of the car, along with messages relating to the earlier deal.

Other messages indicated the supply of class B drugs.

The court heard Abbas, a father of young children, had several relevant previous convictions and was the driver of the Audi.

But John Batchelor, for Abbas, urged the sentence to be suspended and said there is a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”.

He has family responsibilities, with children who will look to him for help and support.

But Judge Jonathan Rose said drugs are a blight in Bradford and men like Abbas “are at the root of so many difficulties in this city”.

He told him: “You’ve had ample opportunity to change your ways. You’re a 41-year-old man, not a teenager.”

The court heard his co-defendant, 45-year-old Hussain, of Rand Place, Great Horton, was of “lower intelligence” and a paranoid schizophrenic who relies on his family and others to assist him.

He was described as “naïve and vulnerable” and had no relevant previous convictions.

Judge Rose told Abbas: “Mr Hussain was drawn into this entirely by you and were it not for you, would not be in the dock at all.”

Abbas was jailed for 21 months.

The judge told Hussain he was “completely satisfied” he would not have offended was it not for Abbas’ involvement.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.  He must carry out 40 days’ rehabilitation requirement activity days and will be subject to an electronically monitored curfew.