A YOUNG class A drug dealer, of previous good character, is experiencing his first taste of custody over the weekend.

But Cameron Black, 21, may receive a longer stretch behind bars, on Monday.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court on Friday for sentence after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply, plus simple possession of ecstasy and the class B drug ketamine.

Jonathan Harley, prosecuting, told Friday’s hearing that police observed a Toyota Yaris being driven erratically in Church Lane, Ferryhill, at 3.15am on June 27, last year.

It was seen being parked and the defendant walked away.

On his return he was detained and a red bum bag was seized which he confirmed he owned.

Mr Harley said on examination eight snap bags were found in the bag, containing a total weight of 2.79g of cocaine, plus other bags of ecstasy and ketamine.

Black was arrested and found carrying £170, while a search of his home uncovered more snap bags, plus a small amount of ketamine, in his bedside table.

He made no comment to police.

The court heard the defendant, of Bessemer Street, Ferryhill, has no previous offences.

Paul Rooney, mitigating, said since the offence the defendant has knuckled down on a tool making apprenticeship which he is due to complete in October, with a full-time job awaiting.

Mr Rooney said despite Black’s “serious error of judgement”, seeking cash to pay off gambling debts, he was not a, “stereotypical drug dealer.”

Judge Ray Singh said he wanted time to, “reflect on the sentence”, and remanded Black in custody to learn his fate on Monday afternoon.

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