Judge spares Northampton teenager after hearing strange tale of how he was threatened into drug dealing

A Northampton teenager has been spared jail after a court heard how he was threatened into becoming a dealer while homeless.

Alexander Azevedo, of Cyril Street, was arrested in October 2019 after he was spotted dealing wraps of Class A drugs to three men in a Northampton town centre alleyway.

But at Northampton Crown Court yesterday (September 16), the judge decided against what otherwise would have been an immediate three years in prison after hearing what had led him to selling drugs on a street corner.

Recorder Charles Falk said in sentencing: "Sometimes the court doesn't always punish, but sometimes hope to rehabilitate and help."

The court heard how Azevedo's short career as a heroin dealer began when he was homeless in Northampton at 18-years-old.

He reportedly saw a 16-year-old dealing drugs, which he reacted to by snatching the boy's product and throwing it in a drain.

But as he did this, he was spotted by a higher-ranking gang member - who confronted Azevedo about why he had just chucked his drugs away.

Recorder Falk said: "He saw the view to threaten and coerce you, until you agreed to deal drugs as well to get the money back."

It led to the 18-year-old's arrest in October 2019 when officers spotted Azevedo dealing to three men down College Street.

When the police intervened, the three customers walked off while Azevedo ran away, but he was detained on St Gile's Street.

He was found carrying three wraps of cocaine, 14 wraps of heroin, £81 in cash and a mobile phone with no evidence on it that it was being used to arrange deals.

He later pleaded guilty to drug dealing, and told his story to the probation service.

In sentencing, the judge spared 19-year-old Azevedo from prison and instead handed him a two-year jail term suspended for two years, along with 150 hours of unpaid work and 25 of rehabilitation requirement.

Recorder Falk said: "I take the view you are not a risk to the public... You were of a limited function as you were under duress.

"I will give you a chance because I think there is hope for you. But please understand, if you commit another offence you will be brought back here.

"Good luck in the future."