A teenager has been handed a suspended sentence after admitting being a ’middle man’ for a drug dealer.

Jason Christopher Higgins, aged 17, of Harcroft Meadows, in Douglas, was sentenced to 10 months’ custody, suspended for two years.

He admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possessing cannabis.

We previously reported how, on October 26 at 11.55pm, police stopped a car in Pulrose which Higgins was a passenger in.

A search of the vehicle found cannabis which was said to not belong to Higgins.

However, a later search of his home address found 110 grams of the drug with a value of £2,204.

Higgins said that he had never sold the drug but admitted being a ’middle man’ involved in bagging up the drug and advertising it for sale on the internet through Snapchat.

Defence advocate Jane Gray said that at the time of the incident her client had only been one month into his 17th birthday.

’At the time of his arrest he had never been in trouble before,’ said the advocate.

Harrowing

’This was a very harrowing time for him. He gave a full account of his involvement.’

Ms Gray went on to say that it had been at a low point in his life as he had exams and a relationship had broken down. The advocate also said that Higgins had become a father a month after his arrest.

’He agreed to engage with a group of friends using cannabis,’ said Ms Gray.

’He was in a very vulnerable state when he engaged in assisting the dealer.’

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes told Higgins: ’You need to tread very carefully over the next two years and focus on your young child.

’You have the opportunity to make something of your life, don’t waste it.’

Higgins was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £125.