A DRUG dealer has been put behind bars after being told he squandered a "remarkable opportunity" to turn his life around.

Samuel Prandle, of Station Road in Bangor-on-Dee, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday.

The 33-year-old admitted that he breached a suspended sentence he received in November last year by missing appointments with probation officers.

It had been imposed after he admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply a class A drug.

Karl Scholz, prosecuting, told the court Prandle had only attended ten of the 17 appointments offered.

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As part of his order, he was also handed a nine-month drug and alcohol treatment order.

But as recently as last week, he was testing positive for cocaine - as he had the week previously.

Judge Niclas Parry told the court: "This is utter disregard for the order.

"He claims he has anxiety - but he can pop off for a 'jolly' on his own to London and miss his appointments?

"He's given this chance and he plays around with it."

Dafydd Roberts, defending, told the court his client had claimed to have gone to London for a job interview, but conceded he didn't have evidence other than Prandle's word for that.

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He said the probation service hadn't "given up on him" -  and that his client is now being supported by so many agencies, it's causing him confusion as to juggling his appointments.

But the Judge said: "They're bending over backwards to help him."

Mr Roberts conceded the defendant's behaviour hadn't made for "an impressive start" to the order.

Judge Parry told the defendant: "You were sentenced for serious offences, and were given a remarkable opportunity.

"Since then, you've been given every help.

"But here, in my view, there is no realistic prospect the order will be complied with."

A tearful Prandle was led away down the steps as the Judge activated 12 of the 16 months on the suspended sentence.