AN 18-YEAR-OLD drug dealer who tried to hide his wares in his boxer shorts after he was caught has been spared jail.

Ryan Costello of Leach Road, Bicester, appeared at Oxford Crown Court for his sentencing hearing last Friday.

The teenager had already admitted one count of possession with intent to supply cocaine as well as another count of simple possession of cannabis.

Prosecutors at the hearing said that the teenager was first arrested on February 2 last year when he was aged just 17.

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Costello was in a blue Mazda shortly before midnight at what was described as a location known for illicit drug activity.

Smelling ‘a strong smell of cannabis from the car’, police took the occupants, including Costello, to Bicester Police Station to be strip searched.

There, officers seized a quantity of drugs which Costello had told the police would be found stashed in his boxer shorts.

The cocaine seized was valued at £90 and he was found to have £450 in cash.

Police then searched his home where they found more of the Class A drugs.

In all, he was found to have 18.2g of cocaine, and police also found three large televisions and designer clothing.

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The court heard that the televisions were not seized as part of the operation ‘as it was impractical to do so.’

A haul of cash was also seized, totalling £3,765, and a mobile phone was taken from the car.

That phone, prosecutors said, featured ‘stereotypical dealer texts.’

During interview he made no comment to officers except to say that the seized phone was not his.

Later, he pleaded guilty to both counts before his sentencing hearing last week.

In mitigation at that hearing his defence barrister Nathan Palmer described Costello as ‘not a terribly mature person’ but said he had matured enough since the offence to be spared jail.

He added: “He has never had a chance like this before.

“He has networks and family and the risk of him offending again is low.

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“He has never caused trouble for the police before and since his offence he has obtained employment and has done well in this and wants to complete an apprenticeship as a carpenter.’’

The court also heard that Costello - who committed the offence while aged under 18 - had no other previous convictions.

Judge Ian Pringle QC ordered a jail term but said it was one that he could suspend.

He said: “This is your chance. You won’t get another one.

“If you do not do your unpaid work or attend your rehabilitation requirement activity days you will breach the order and go to court again.’’

Costello was handed a jail sentence of 20 months, suspended for two years.

He was also ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid work and attend 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He will also pay a victim surcharge and £520 court costs.