A prolific drug pusher who was caught with £40 worth of heroin on him has avoided a custodial prison sentence. 

Mohammed Ismail appeared at Preston Crown Court on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to possession with intent to supply a class A drug, but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of possession of a class A drug. 

The 33-year-old, of Whittaker Street, Blackburn, has 21 convictions for similar offences, including a conviction for conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine in 2017 and convictions relating to the possession of cannabis.

The court heard how on March 3, 2020, officers followed a black Honda Civic through Blackburn, with Ismail being an occupant of the car.

Prosecuting, Lisa Worsley said: "The officers suspected he might have been trying to dispose of some drugs so they pulled the car over and Ismail was detained.

"In his lap were some wraps of brown powder and some cash.

"Upon examination, officers found one of the wraps to contain 0.23g of heroin, and one contained 0.8g of heroin, totalling 0.41g of heroin."

The heroin in his possession has a street value of around £40.

Ismail was originally charged with possession with intent to supply, along with a co-defendant, Subhan Malik, who faces a number of other drugs charges including trafficking.

However, he denied any involvement in the supply of class A drugs and pleaded to simple possession only. 

Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston fined Ismail £100 for the heroin possession and ordered him to repay the money at a rate of £20 per week. 

A collection order was also made.

Subhan Malik is to be sentenced at a later date.