A teenage drug dealer led police on a wild goose chase through the streets of St Helens, causing children to leap out of his way as he went.
Lewis McGowan, 19, was spotted by patrolling police officers when he ran a red light on his electric bike at around 3.50pm on September 17 2022. They tried to stop him, but he fled by cycling down a road in the wrong direction.
At his sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court today, prosecutor Mr Jones said: "He led police on a merry dance for several minutes, going down various bollarded roads, at one point causing a pedestrian and some children to jump out of the way."
READ MORE: Members of £100m smuggling ring snared at Manchester Airport
One of the police officers managed to knock McGowan off his bike, and the teenager was detained. A search of his bag found two foil pounches containing just over 10g of flowering cannabis heads, and a further separate bag containing just over 7g of flowering heads, worth between £158 and £262.
Messages relating to the buying and selling of drugs were found on his mobile phone.
Miss Wilde, defending, said McGowan was not in regular employment and had suffered a traumatic upbringing.
Judge Andrew Menary said McGowan had taken part in "the sort of arrogant riding that's so often seen by young men around this city".
He said: "It's clear that you were ionvolved in dealing cannabis at a fairly low level. You said this was your operation; you would buy cannabis, divide it up and sell it to people you knew. Yourself had been taking cannabis for a number of years. This operation was no doubt to fund your addiction, because you are not in work."
McGowan, of Forshaw Avenue, St Helens, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply class B drugs. He was given a six month sentence, suspended for 12 months, and must carry out 10 days of rehab and 100 hours of unpaid community work.
Judge Menary said: "You have no previous convictions and it's a real shame you have committed these offences now. I hope you will not continue to get in trouble of this sort."
READ NEXT
'Sexual predator' flashed children then choked girl until she passed out
'Welcome to Springfield Park' listed on eBay for £275
Suspect in unsolved murder of teen shot in head facing years in Spanish prison
Heartbreak as dad, 26, found dead after trying to get help
Matalan shoppers adore 'perfect' £15 summer dress in a 'soft material'
