A former addict who was caught selling heroin and crack cocaine was told he should be ‘commended’ for the progress he’d made.

David Llewellyn, 54, was found in possession of the two class A drugs in Bicester on October 3, 2018.

He had been due to stand trial at Oxford Crown Court this week, but on Wednesday pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.

The court heard he was now supported by the Salvation Army and homelessness charity Aspire. He was working to get his CSCS card, which would allow to him to get work on construction sites.

Sentencing Llewellyn, of Church Walk, Bicester, to eight months’ imprisonment suspended for a year, Recorder John Hardy QC said: “Those who have heroin or cocaine addictions and who are sometimes known as runners in county lines operations for example are vulnerable by virtue of their addiction.

“[They] are often preyed upon by people who make a lot of money out of drugs and make none themselves and supply for little gain other than the gain in the form of the drugs they themselves need.

“Breaking the cycle of that addiction is essential. Charities such as Aspire do wonderful public work and I would like to acknowledge that in court.”

He added: “People in your position, Mr Llewellyn, have got used to coming to courts to be punished, rebuked and reprimanded and criticised. This court takes the view you should be encouraged and commended for doing what you’re doing. Keep going.”

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