A DRUG dealer caught in the process of dishing out cocaine and cannabis on his birthday was spared jail by a Crown Court recorder.

Rohail Khan, 19, immediately aroused the suspicions of two passing police patrol officers when, on spotting them, he turned around and walked away, Burnley Crown Court was told.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the officers went to where Khan had been standing and could smell a lingering aroma of cannabis.

The teenager was followed into a nearby shop where he confessed to police: “Look, I’ve got some weed in my pocket.”

But when he was searched, not only did the officers find six cannabis deals, four for around £20 and two around £10, but they also discovered a series of cocaine wraps, worth more than £200, close to where he was standing.

Mr Parker said it was apparent that when Khan went into the shop he had tried to secrete drugs within a nearby display.

Khan, of Glen Street, Brierfield, had £178 in his pockets which he claimed to investigators was his birthday money, the court heard.

Several text messages on his mobile phone also indicated he was involved in the drugs trade, with people requesting £10 and £20 deals from him.

Daniel King, defending, said his client had become involved in dealing after developing a drugs problem but came from a respectable family.

In the time since his offending, he had also secured a job.

Khan admitted possession of cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years.

He was also placed under probation supervision for 18 months and ordered to complete 300 hours’ community service.

The teenager was also ordered to forfeit the £178, which was found by police, and pay a £100 victim surcharge.

Passing sentence, Mr Recorder Shaw said: “You can go away and once again work to become a credit to your family and your community.

“I think that you are not beyond hope and this will be a lesson that you will learn from.”