A TEENAGER has avoided time in a young offenders institute after he was caught with cocaine stashed in the boot of a car.

Richard Bagnall, of Ffordd Caerfyrddin in Wrexham, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Monday.

The 19-year-old had previously admitted that on December 30, 2021, he had a quantity of cocaine in his possession with intent to supply.

Rosemary Proctor, prosecuting, told the court that at around 11.30pm on the day of the offence, police spotted the defendant - who was then 17 - driving in Wrexham.

They noticed his windows were steamed up and stopped him.

He was "visibly shaking" - and officers soon discovered £475 in cash in his jacket pocket.

Under the carpet of the vehicle's boot they discovered unused snap bags, scales and a tin containing 98 snap bags of cocaine.

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As the car was being searched, an officer noticed Bagnall snapchatting someone on his phone - with him typing out "I'm so f****d - they found it."

Police found more snap bags and hundreds of pounds in cash when they searched his home.

Alun Williams, defending, told the court that there were "more elements of lesser role than significant" in his client's offending, but conceded the conduct straddled both categories.

He added: "It took 14 months for the matter to be brought before the court - since the commission of the offence he has done everything he can to change his life for the better.

"He's found employment and it's quite clear they think very highly of him."

He added that the drug supply had commenced as a result of "pressure," with his client having accrued a drug debt.

"Hopefully this is something he has been able to put behind him," he concluded.

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Judge Rhys Rowlands said the amount of drugs seized was "significant" but that the delay in bringing the case to court had been "far too long" despite the evidence against Bagnall being "completely overwhelming."

The Judge handed down a 21 month term of detention in a young offenders institute, but suspended it for 18 months.

The defendant must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity, as well as observing a six month electronically tagged curfew.

He must also pay £420 costs and a £156 victim surcharge.