Man spared jail for drug dealing close to Eastwood Primary School (From Keighley News)

Man spared jail for drug dealing close to Eastwood Primary School

5:20pm Saturday 12th January 2013 in Keighley By Keighley News reporter

A man caught drug dealing near a primary school has been spared an immediate jail sentence after the judge heard how he had transformed his life in the 14 months since he committed the offences.

Khalid Farooq, 21, of Victoria Park View in Keighley, was a drug addict selling heroin and cocaine to pay off his dealer when he was arrested running away from the police on November 8 last year.

He discarded a wrap of drugs outside Eastwood Primary School, and officers found five more hidden on top of a wall nearby, Bradford Crown Court heard last Thursday.

Farooq admitted possession of heroin and cocaine with intent to supply. Police also seized £225 in cash from him when he was arrested.

He was bailed several times by the police and not charged until August last year.

His barrister, Peter Hampton, said Farooq had turned his life around since he was caught.

Mr Hampton handed glowing references from members of the community to Judge David Hatton QC.

The judge said they, and the time that had elapsed since the offences, allowed him to take an exceptional course.

Farooq was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 80 hours of unpaid work, supervision and a curfew order.

“People speak highly of you so please don’t let them down,” Judge Hatton said.