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Gang member, 17, locked up for drug dealing

A teenage gang member has been locked up for three years and banned from having any contact with a dozen named individuals.

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The 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested after being caught drug dealing, the city's crown court was told.

Police saw him selling cannabis in Long Furrow, Pendeford on November 2 last year, explained Mr Hugh Williams, prosecuting.

The defendant tried to flee but was caught after a short chase.

Officers then searched his home and found a Taser hidden under a bed, the court heard.

Police believe he is a leading member of a gang of youths based in the city.

Their bid to rehabilitate him away from a life of crime and anti-social behaviour had failed because he refused to engage with them, it was said.

He was suspected of having walked through the centre of Wolverhampton chanting the initials of the gang while allegedly armed with a machete but no further action had been taken after witnesses supposedly withdrew statements, the court heard.

Judge Peter Barrie concluded after reading police intelligence reports involving drugs, weapons and public disorder: "This is no isolated incident.

"It amounts to a pattern of behaviour over recent months.

"It also suggests that he may be influenced by a member of his wider family."

The teenager – who was 16 when caught drug dealing – admitted possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of the stun gun.

He was sent to a Young Offenders Institution for three years.

He was ordered not to do anything likely to cause harassment, alarm and distress and banned from any contact with a dozen named individuals for a similar period of time.

This was intended to cover an 18-month period following his release since prisoners are usually freed on licence after serving half their sentence behind bars.

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