A DRUG dealer from Wrexham avoided a jail sentence after a judge decided to give him 'a chance'.

Samuel Prandle, 33, of Pentre Gwyn, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentencing on Thursday, November 24.

He previously pleaded guilty at Wrexham Magistrates Court to two counts of possession to supply a class A drug.

Anna Pope, prosecuting, told the court how - on August 20 of last year - Prandle had been approached by police officers while riding an electric scooter in Wrexham.

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He immediately made a 'full admission' to having both crack cocaine and heroin in his possession, the court was told.

A further search also found that Prandle had £62 in cash and an Alcatel phone in his possession too.

He told police officers that he was 'going to sell' the drugs 'to anyone who called' him on the phone.

He was found to have 14 wraps of heroin - with a street value of £300 - and 30 wraps of crack cocaine - with a street value of £600 - in his possession when police conducted a search.

Messages found on the Alcatel later also confirmed drug dealing activity.

Judge Nicola Saffman said that Prandle had been 'dealing drugs to which he was also addicted' and that he had been 'threatened with violence' by those above him in the 'chain' if he did not go out and sell.

She added that this was a man who was 'screaming out for help' upon his arrest.

Dafydd Roberts, defending, said that Prandle had earned 'no financial gain' from selling the drugs.

He added that being in custody had 'broken the spiral of taking drugs and offending for Prandle.

Sentencing the defendant, Judge Saffman told him he was - at 33 years old - 'too old for this nonsense'.

She added: "Today, I'm going to give you a chance. You have been straightforward and honest about what you have done. The best thing that happened to you was getting caught."

The Judge added that Prandle had 'acted out of coercion and intimidation' by other dealers 'higher up' than him.

She handed down a 16 month sentence, suspended for 18 months. Prandle will also have to undergo a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement and complete 40 hours of rehabilitation activities.

Judge Saffman added: "This is your chance to turn things around."