Motorcyclist arrested for dealing cannabis in Seacroft

Officers in an unmarked police car stopped Tyrone Shepherd when they became suspicious after seeing him riding the machine on Bailey's Hill, Seacroft, on July 5 last year.

Adam Walker, prosecuting, said the officers' attention was drawn to Shepherd as he appeared inexperienced in his ability to handle the motorbike.

The defendant also appeared nervous and kept looking behind at the officers.

Officers signalled for Shepherd to stop and he pulled over.

Mr Walker said officers could smell cannabis and decided to search the defendant.

He was found in possession of nine individual bags of skunk cannabis with a street value of £135.

Shepherd, 24, also had two mobile phones which contained messages relating to drug supply.

He also had £250 in cash in his possession.

Shepherd, of Roxholme Avenue, Chapel Allerton, refused to comment in interview.

He pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of criminal property.

Probation officer Mick Berry told the court he had interviewed Shepherd about the offences but was unable to get answers about why he had the drugs or what his intentions were.

He said: "All those sorts of questions are left, effectively, up in the air."

The court heart Shepherd had a good work ethic and had a job as a warehouse operative.

Shepherd was given an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He was ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement days and to pay £450 costs.

Judge Simon Batiste said: "I don't really know why you got yourself involved in drug dealing.

"I don't really know if you know why you got yourself involved in drug dealing.

"But you did and that is why you are here today.

"You could not complain today if you were going down the stairs and off to prison.

"You have got to make sure that this does not happen again.

"Next time a judge will have no choice and will lock you up."