Teenage drug dealer spared jail

A TEENAGER spotted dealing drugs in Southmead has been spared immediate custody.

Police saw Lewis Baker acting suspiciously before he was seen in an alleyway surrounded by drug customers, Bristol Crown Court was told.

He was arrested and found with drugs and cash on him. A search of his bedroom revealed more drugs.

Baker, 18, of Ambleside Avenue, pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to supply crack cocaine and cannabis in March. Judge Martin Picton handed him 16 months prison, suspended for 12 months, with 180 hours’ unpaid work and rehabilitation.

The judge told Baker: “You chose, when younger, to get involved in drug dealing. You sought to break away but you got turned back into it under coercion. Once you start messing with that world you put yourself at the mercy of others who want to profit from misery.”

Jack Barros, prosecuting, said police in Southmead observed Baker cycling around, making phone calls and appearing to make exchanges. Later they saw him in a lane, surrounded by apparent drug users, and Baker threw his cycle on the ground and fled but was arrested. He was found to have 27 wraps of crack cocaine weighing 3.8g, a small bag of cannabis weighing 1.2g and £633 in cash. A search of his bedroom uncovered 11.3g of cannabis.

Baker, of previous good character, admitted selling crack cocaine and cash found on him was from drug dealing. He said he had been forced to deal to pay off debt. The £633 cash found on him was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Dianne Heys, defending, told the court: “He works very hard. He very much regrets involvement in this matter with hindsight.”