A BOY of 17 who appeared lethargic and tested positive for cannabis when police stopped his car on the A55 near Aber had “pot” worth £1,322, a judge heard yesterday (Thursday).

Bruno Wharton, now 18, of Gwynfryn Avenue, Rhyl, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply on October 5. He received six months detention, suspended for a year, and must carry out 80 hours unpaid work and drug rehabilitation.

Judge Rhys Rowlands at Caernarfon crown court told him:”It’s a feature as of October 5 you were only 17. You were caught bang to rights. It was entirely straightforward and, in view of your age, the criminal justice system ordinarily is meant to be engaged straightaway.

“In the event the police didn’t forward a file to the Crown Prosecution Service until the following May. I don’t understand why there was such a delay.”

The judge said there was no criticism of the CPS but an explanation was needed.

He said Wharton was from a good family and had let them down. “There’s a very different side to your character. You are working hard, you have an apprenticeship,” he added.

He reflected the delay in the case in his sentencing.

Prosecutor David Mainstone said police found a dealers’ list and £600. The teenager accepted drug dealing but claimed he was under pressure because of a debt to his own supplier. “The prosecution case is it’s his financial enterprise,” Mr Mainstone declared.

On his arrest the teenager had put his head in his hands and remarked :”I need to change things in my life.”

Maria Masselis, defending, said there were “glowing” character references and Wharton had made considerable efforts to change. He no longer smoked cannabis and had broken away from his group of friends.

“He feels better and different about his life,” the barrister said. He had been using drugs since the age of twelve.

Counsel added :”He bitterly regrets his behaviour. There’s a degree of naivety about him.”