A YOUNG drug dealer caught peddling heroin and crack cocaine in Keighley town centre almost two years ago has been spared an immediate custodial sentence.

Sohail Hussain, 21, had drugs hidden in his boxer shorts when he was caught by the police selling wraps of crack cocaine to a female addict in Temple Row.

Prosecutor Laura McBride told Bradford Crown Court that the offences took place on October 29, 2020.

Hussain, of Dale View Road, Long Lee, Keighley, had £156 in cash on him and drugs worth £150.

He had four previous convictions for eight offences, including simple possession of cocaine, but nothing for drug dealing.

He pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply, saying he was dealing to pay off a debt.

His barrister, Andrew Stranex, said Hussain had turned his life around since the offending. He was still a young man and had gained employment at a garage.

He was sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 200 hours of unpaid work and ten rehabilitation activity days.

Judge Colin Burn told him: “The ball’s in your court.”

It was Hussain’s choice whether to make use of the opportunity he had been given.