A TEENAGER caught by police supplying drugs in an alley has been sentenced to 21 months’ youth custody.

Declan Rogers,18, of no fixed address, but from Wrexham, admitted possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply.

Judge Philip Hughes, sitting at Mold Crown Court, told him: “The drugs were hidden on your person. When officers went to your home they found items which made it clear you had been dealing in drugs, including incriminating text messages.”

Rogers had admitted he had been supplying for about five months, apparently to feed his own drugs habit.

Sandra Subacchi, prosecuting, said at about 1.55pm on April 9 a police officer saw a man hanging around near the Co-op in Chester Road, Wrexham.

He then saw Rogers approach and nod towards him as if he was directing him to follow him down a nearby alley.

Rogers then saw the officer, quickened his pace and went out of sight. The officer stopped both men who were extremely nervous and agitated.

Miss Subacchi said the other man had no drugs on him, only money, and was allowed to go.

Rogers was detained for a search at the police station when 12 packets of heroin and 18 packets of crack cocaine were found with an estimated street value of less than £200.

When interviewed, Rogers said he had used birthday money to stock up on drugs for his personal use.

Andrew Green, defending, said: “At this stage of his life he does not fully appreciate the damage that can be done both to himself and to other people by the use of class A drugs. He has a lot of growing up to do.”

He said his father was sad and disappointed that his son had found himself in such a position and Rogers was determined to sort out his life and get a job when he was free to do so.

Rogers was brought up by his father, said Mr Green. There came a point when things were not working out and he went to live with his grandfather.