OUSTED Bradford MP George Galloway has helped to keep a teenage drug dealer out of custody.

The former Bradford West MP, who lost his seat in the General Election and is now seeking to be elected as the Mayor of London, wrote a letter of support for 18-year-old Tauqeer Hussain.

Bradford Crown Court heard that police had found 60 wraps of heroin hidden in a speaker at Hussain's home in Heidelberg Road, Manningham, Bradford. Officers also seized £300 cash, three sets of scales and plastic bags.

The prosecution told the court that Hussain, who pleaded guilty to possessing heroin with intent to supply on the basis that he had been helping out, had been acting as a "trusted storekeeper."

Two co-accused, Andrew Lee, 27, of Sandfield Road, Thorpe Edge, Bradford, and Shujahat Ahmed, 32, of Duchy Drive, Heaton, Bradford, were given prison sentences.

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But Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC said the case of Hussain, who was 17 at the time of the offence and had no previous convictions, had given him a dilemma. He had remanded the teenager in custody overnight to consider his case.

The judge chose not to send Hussain into youth custody, but sentenced him to a stringent two-year community order.

Judge Durham Hall told the teenager: "You have made a dreadful mistake. It is a serious business and if you are going to play the game you must expect very serious consequences."

The judge said Hussain came from a very good family and he had received a reference from a councillor who knew him.

Judge Durham Hall added: "I also have a very nice reference from George Galloway, who writes a very nice letter on your behalf, informing me he thinks you are truly regretful.

"I am grateful to that gentleman and I take his comments into account."

He said Hussain had been immature and naive. It was a very serious offence but he was prepared to give him a chance

The judge told Hussain that he was able to give him an alternative to custody. He sentenced him to a two-year community order, with supervision by probation for two years, a 50-day rehabilitation activity requirement and a three-month electronically monitored curfew between 7pm and 7am.

He made a confiscation order in the sum of £510. The money was with the police and Judge Durham Hall allowed 28 days for its transfer with a nominal seven days imprisonment in default.