Burnley Crown Court was told Farhad Qazi sold heroin, as well as crack cocaine, to the police. He was believed to have been involved in a drugs transaction "in the midst of schoolchildren" outside Marsden Heights Community College.

The court was told Qazi, who claimed he ran Brierfield, was with undercover officers when there was a transaction, presumed to be drugs, between him and the schoolboy who then went back into the schoolyard and joined in games.

Qazi, who has since served a jail term for burglary, had got a job and was said to be a changed man, admitted supplying crack cocaine on January 25th and January 31st and supplying heroin on January 25th and February 1st.

Qazi (20), of Arthur Street, Brierfield, was given a two-year community order with two years supervision and a three-month curfew between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Sentencing, Judge Christina Lyon told Qazi he should be given the opportunity to carry on working and changing his lifestyle. She added the sentence was a direct alternative to custody and went on: "This is not letting you off by any manner of means."

Mr David Macro (prosecuting) said undercover officers in Brierfield were put in touch with Qazi as a drugs supplier, with him supplying them with £14-worth of crack cocaine after going into the garden by a taxi office.

Qazi introduced the officer to his "business partner" Pedro and another deal took place while Qazi also sold the officer heroin for £20 and a jacket later that day.

Mr Macro said on January 31st, the officers called Pedro who said the defendant had his drugs but when they tracked him down, it appeared Qazi had given the drugs to someone else.

Qazi got a lift with the police to Marsden Heights College and something was exchanged between the pupil and defendant. The defendant then supplied the officers with £20 of crack cocaine and, on the journey back, claimed he ran Brierfield and was a main drug dealer. Qazi sold the officers £50 of heroin the day after.

In total, the deals involved 546mg of crack cocaine at 29% and 57% purity, and 3.05g of heroin at a purity of 49% and 57%.

Mr Philip Holden (defending) said Qazi got into drugs supply though his associates. He was not in possession of the drugs, only a small amount was involved and they came from another person.

The dealing was over a short period of time and the defendant was pretty far down the chain.

Qazi had been released from his sentence for burglary in March and had sought to try to put his life in order. He had got a job, was well regarded by his employer, worked long hours and was now living with his mother.

Mr Holden said the defendant was assessed as posing a low risk of reoffending. He added: "His extended family has spoken of a change in his behaviour. His family is trying to keep his behaviour monitored."