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A judge has branded the police delay in bringing a drug dealing case to court a “scandal.”

Caernarfon crown court was told there had been a delay of almost two years between the arrest and charging of 24-year-old Kieron Schofield, of Cawthorne Avenue, Liverpool .

Judge Huw Rees said Schofield had been arrested on April 28, 2017, and quizzed the following day.

He was charged on April 8 this year.

“The delay between your arrest and charge has almost been two years which is inexcusable in any civilised society,” Judge Rees declared.

“The delay has been caused by the lack of progression of the case by the police. There’s evidence you have changed your lifestyle.”

The judge imposed a two years suspended jail term, ordered the forfeiture of £470 and made a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Schofield must attend a rehabilitation activity and a thinking skills course and do 200 hours unpaid work.

“I’m taking a highly unusual course. I am giving you a chance,” Judge Rees said.

“You have been a very lucky man Mr Schofield.”

He admitted possessing cocaine and heroin with intent to supply after police stopped a car in which he was a passenger in Caernarfon Road, Bangor.

Prosecuting barrister Richard Edwards said a mobile phone had been ringing constantly.

There were dozens of drug “wraps” costing £10 each.

The driver wasn’t charged.

Mr Edwards said there had been an “oversight” in the case and an officer had been reprimanded.

Judge Rees said Schofield hadn’t offended before or since his arrest.

He had told a probation officer that he had become homeless and unemployed, accrued debts and took to drugs.

“You were street dealing Class A drugs,” he added.

James Coutts, defending, said Schofield had settled down to become a father.

“He’s ashamed he involved himself in this,” counsel added.

The defendant had given up drugs.