An addict caught on CCTV dealing in the street was selling crack cocaine and heroin to fund his own habit.

Josh Hadley threw away plastic bags with Class A drugs inside as he was chased by police through the streets of Middlesbrough town centre.

Teesside Crown Court heard how the 26-year-old was spotted making several deals in the area near to Teesside University on March 29 this year.

Annelise Haugstad, prosecuting, said a police patrol was sent to area and the defendant attempted to leg it when officers tried to arrest him.

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She said: “One officer saw him throw five bags of white powder to the floor and a further two bags of brown powder. He had thrown it under a parked car when he was being pursued.

“He was detained and when he was searched, he was found with £380 in cash.”

The court heard how officers also recovered empty plastic packets with traces of a white substance which Hadley tried to claim was icing sugar.

Miss Haugstad said the drugs recovered were valued at around £200 on the streets.

Hadley, of Burwell Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply following his arrest.

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Shaun Dryden, mitigating, said his client had racked up £3,000 worth of debts before being forced to turn to dealing to pay off his own supplier after becoming a drug addict.

He said: “He had lost his job, his relationship, and his accommodation and as a result he became depressed and that unfortunately led him to partaking in drug use for his consumption.

“The drug debt got out of hand and at one point he owed the dealer £3,000. He was told he could pare down the debt by selling drugs.”

Mr Dryden said the father-of-three was due to become a parent for the fourth time in November with his new partner and urged the judge to spare him from immediate custody.

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Recorder Matthew Happold sentenced the former scaffolder to 20 months in custody suspended for two years with a stark warning after given a chance by the judge.

He said: “You have come very close to going downstairs today. You have an opportunity, please take it.

“You clearly have a supportive family, don’t let yourself or them down. If you appear in court again, you will be going to prison.”

Hadley was also ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days and carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.