Bloodied drug dealer caught with knuckle duster after fight in Wakefield, Leeds Crown Court told

Leeds Crown Court heard police were called to reports of a fight between two men at homeless shelter Marsh Way House near Wakefield city centre.

Tristan Padgett, who had a bruised eye and blood on his face, ran off when police arrived just before 2.30am on February 8 2019.

After he was caught on nearby Rishworth Street, Padgett, 21, told police he had been attacked and had a knuckle duster in the pocket of his tracksuit bottoms.

Police found the knuckleduster and searched a satchel Padgett was carrying around his neck.

Officers found £123 in cash along with ketamine with a street value of £123 and cannabis worth around £110.

Police also seized two mobile phones.

Padgett, of Netherfield Avenue, Netherton, Wakefield, admitted having an offensive weapon and two charges of possessing a class B drug with intent to supply.

Padgett has four previous convictions for six offences including theft of a vehicle, battery and common assault.

The court heard the parents of one of Padgett's friends have built a bedroom for him at their home.

Richard Canning, mitigating, said: "It's quite heartwarming."

Judge Robin Mairs told Padgett: "You owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those that sit in the public gallery.

"Their kindness and humanity in taking you in has not just provided you with a settled home address - possibly for the first time - it has given you stability and has enabled you to find employment."

Judge Mairs handed Padgett a 12 month jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to do 150 hours unpaid work.

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Thank you

Laura Collins