A DRUG dealer caught with an axe in a public place has claimed he was being pressured into selling cocaine and heroin.

Appearing at Burnley Crown Court over a video link from Preston Prison, Sadakat Ali pleaded guilty to possessing 2.18 grams of heroin and 0.69 grams of cocaine with intent to supply and having an offensive weapon in a public place.

Ali, 20, of Lister Street, Accrington, committed the offences in Dale Street, Oswaldtwistle.

Asking for the case to be adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report, defence barrister Helen Longworth said: “Mr Ali would say he was under pressure from others to deal these drugs. He wasn’t doing it for his own financial benefit.”

Adjourning sentencing to May, Judge Richard Gioserano said: “I am being asked to adjourn for a pre-sentence report. You will be able to set out your account of how you ended up doing this.”

Ali was remanded back into custody.