A DRUG dealer who used to assault his teachers in school and steal from his mother was spared prison after “turning his life around”.

Kyle Gregory, 19, was handed a suspended sentence after a court heard he has just found a job with Newport train manufacturing company CAF.

The teenager was arrested in the city on February with heroin and cocaine which had potential street values of £195 and £260 respectively.

Christopher Evans, prosecuting, said Gregory’s mobile phone was seized and detectives found he had been sending out text bombs to clients.

Gregory, of Hendre Farm Drive, Newport, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply heroin and cocaine.

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He also admitted possession of cannabis.

The court heard he was arrested again in March for possession of cannabis and received a 12-month conditional discharge at Newport Magistrates’ Court.

Ieuan Bennett, representing Gregory, told Cardiff Crown Court: “The defendant became homeless and was taken in by his grandparents.

“They have done as much as they can for him.

“He was selling drugs for other people after running up a drug debt himself and was working to pay that debt off – he was taking risks for others.

“The defendant does not go out at night much these days and has cut former contacts to avoid being put under pressure.

“His grandfather keeps a pretty close eye on him.”

Mr Bennett added how his client would be subject to regular drug tests in his new job with CAF.

The judge, Recorder IWL Jones, told Gregory: “You said in your pre-sentence report that you used steal from your mother and assault teachers at school – you have temper problems.

“You went completely off the rails, but I accept that you have made an effort to turn your life around.”

Gregory was sent to a young offender institution for two years, suspended for 18 months.

He was made the subject of an electronically monitored curfew for six months between 8pm and 6am.

The defendant was ordered to complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and pay a victim surcharge.

Before he left the dock, the judge said to Gregory: “You have every incentive to behave.

“Don’t throw away this opportunity.”