Leeds student turned cocaine and ecstasy dealer avoids immediate jail
A Leeds Beckett University student caught with drugs worth more than £2,000 in his flat has been handed a suspended prison sentence.
Police went to Lee Brennan's flat at Marsden House on Burley Road in Leeds after a tip off, Leeds Crown Court heard.
They found cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine with a street value of more than £2,100.
The court heard Brennan - a Leeds Beckett University business management student - had a drug habit and started selling drugs after he racked up debts with his dealers.
Caroline Abraham, prosecuting, said Brennan told police he had a small amount of drugs for personal use when officers raided his student flat just after 9.30pm on October 24 2019.
Brennan was arrested and the flat was searched.
The court heard police found 2.6 grammes of cocaine, 26 grammes of ecstasy and 55 grammes of ketamine.
Miss Abraham said police estimated the drugs were worth up to a total £2,145.
Brennan, 22, who has no previous convictions, admitted two charges of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply and one charge of possessing class B drugs with intent.
Probation officer Mick Berry told the court that Brennan had started using drugs aged 16 and had been away from home for the first time.
Mr Berry said: "He spoke of an environment where drug use is a really routine, normal activity."
Mr Berry said Brennan had got in debt with three drug dealers and started supplying drugs to pay off his debts.
The court heard Brennan was suspended from his business management course at Leeds Beckett University when the alleged offences came to light.
Mr Berry said Brennan, of Barrie Close, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is now working as a plasterer and hopes to return to his studies at the university.
Mr Berry said Brennan no longer uses Class A drugs but is still an occasional cannabis user.
Recorder Dapinder Singh QC handed Brennan a two years prison sentence, suspended for two years.
Brennan must complete 300 hours of unpaid work, plus ten rehabilitation activity days and pay £425 towards prosecution costs.