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Jailed: Teen who dealt Class A drugs from unsuspecting parents' home

A teenager who dealt cocaine from his bedroom in his parent's house has been jailed for three years.

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James Atherley, 19, was found with more than £3,500 worth of the Class A drug as well as a £170 haul of cannabis and a 24-inch combat knife.

A court heard police raided his bedroom at the £170,000 semi-detached home he shared with his parents and brother in Sheldon, Birmingham, on May 1 this year.

Officers found a block of cocaine weighing 61.8g, worth around £3,520, and six bags containing a further 2.11g which was worth £120.

Police also discovered 16.2g of cannabis in two separate bags and drug paraphernalia including £1,200 cash, three sets of electronic scales, 1,000 empty dealer bags and two lists of customers.

Atherley pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs at an earlier hearing at Birmingham Crown Court.

Jailing him for three years on Wednesday, Judge Richard Bond expressed his 'enormous sympathy' for the teenager's family.

He said: "They are ordinary, decent members of the community.

"It is plainly obvious the shock they have suffered realising what their son has been doing behind their backs.

"I have enormous sympathy for the family.

"My understanding is they are intelligent people, they understand the dangers of Class A drugs in society.

"The fact is such that courts have to impose sentences that deter others dealing Class A drugs."

The court heard Atherley had no previous convictions but did have a warning and a police caution on his record for possession of cannabis.

Prosecutor Madhu Rai said: "The block, if divided into street deals was capable of creating 176 deals.

"The added value of the cocaine and cannabis is £3,640."

During their search police also found a 24-inch combat knife which Ms Rai suggested had been used to 'cut' the cocaine into deals.

In a pre-sentence report, Atherley told probation officers: "I might as well make some money off them (drug addicts), they're going to kill themselves anyway.

"If people don't use drugs too often they'll be fine."

Nicola Purches, defending, said: "The way he behaves and presents himself shows certain classic traits.

"He is incredibly direct and honest even though that is not to his advantage.

"It is that honesty that suggests and autism diagnosis may be made in the future."

Atherley can be seen posing with what appears to be a giant spliff and sticking his middle finger up to the camera in snaps on his Facebook profile.

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