A young drug dealer caught red-handed when he was spotted on his scooter surrounded by customers has walked free from court.

Leon Mount was arrested with £3,250 worth of cocaine and crack cocaine on him when he was selling the Class A drugs on Park Road North, Middlesbrough.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 21-year-old was also carrying more than £300 in cash and refused to tell officer the pin number for the iPhone he had with him when he was arrested on August 10 this year.

Nigel Soppitt, prosecuting, said police saw Mount surrounded by drug users at around 4.30pm when they all ran towards him when he pulled over on his motor scooter.

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Mount, of Japonica Way, Norton, Stockton, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply; possession of cannabis, driving without a licence, and driving without insurance.

Paul Green, mitigating, said his client was naive by getting involved in drug dealing.

He added: “He has made massive mistakes in his life and told the probation service that he didn’t realise the full extent of what he was getting involved in.

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“He has been remanded in custody for a relatively short period of time but it has had an impact on him – he has had his eyes well and truly opened.”

Recorder Robert Ward spared the 21-year-old from immediate custody and imposed a 20-month sentence suspended for 18 months.

He said: “There was an element of naivety and exploitation.”

Mount was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and attend 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.