TWO brothers, who were found with heroin and cocaine in Bradford, have been spared immediate jail sentences.

Javid Ali, 41, of Mount Joy Road, Huddersfield, and Mohammed Ramzan Ali, 47, appeared before Bradford Crown Court on Tuesday to be sentenced for possession of cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

The charges date back to May 13, 2019, when, whilst driving a red BMW, they were followed by police to a petrol station's forecourt on Tong Street.

Police found 12.71g of Diamorphine (heroin), with a street value of £635.50, and 2.48g of cocaine, with a street value off £186.

They also discovered drug paraphernalia; foil and scales, and three mobile phones, in the vehicle. Of the three mobiles, only one was accessible and it was linked to Mohammed Ali. 74 identical messages were seen, stating, "best of both dynamites, two for £15 or 3 for £20." Both men were arrested at the scene.

In Mohammed Ali's defence, the court was told he was forced to sell drugs to clear debt and that he became vulnerable due to his level of his addiction.

As for Javid Ali’s defence, the court heard that he had become involved to help his brother, recalling a meeting between the pair when Mohammed Ali broke down in tears saying he would "end up dead" if the debt was not cleared.

From 2011, when Javid Ali's mother was diagnosed with cancer, the court heard how he had participated in a huge amount of charity work, which included flying to Africa to help mothers in need. He had paid for those trips through money he had made from running a law-abiding business.

Javid Ali hit "rock bottom" when his mother died of the disease in 2016 and, as a result, reverted to serious drugs. He had professional help to tackle his addiction and had an implant fitted to assist him.

His defence added the case delay worked in Javid Ali's favour as it allowed him to overcome his addiction and turn his life around, providing lawfully for his wife and children.

He is said to be "embarrassed" and "bitterly regrets" trying to assist his brother.

Recorder Kirstie Watson gave each man a 24 months' imprisonment concurrent sentence, suspended for 18 months, given 25 per cent credit for guilty pleas and mitigation.

Both were issued with community orders. Javid Ali will carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, while Mohammed Ali, due to having no fixed address and suffering with mental health problems, will be subject to a rehabilitation programme and monthly reviews.

They will each pay a victim surcharge of an appropriate amount.

Recorder Watson added: “Drug dealing of any kind is treated very serious in these courts. You both came as close as it is possible to immediate custody."