A teenager who acted as an ecstasy salesman for his local community was sent to a young offenders institution for 30 months.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, made up to £3,000 in profits over a six-month period and was described by Judge Roger Scott as "glorifying'' in his status as a drug dealer in the Brighouse area.

The court heard that the youngster, who was led away in tears by a Group Four Security officer, had been the outlet for many thousands of ecstasy tablets on a daily basis and had confessed to his activities when he was questioned by police last November.

Yesterday he pleaded guilty to supplying ecstasy and a further charge of offering to supply the drug to a group of people last June, including two 15-year-old girls.

Prosecutor Michael Bosomworth said that when the boy's home in Brighouse was searched, officers found various items of drugs paraphernalia, including lists of figures which seemed to be dealer lists.

In an interview he was frank about his drug-dealing and told police how he had used an unoccupied flat to sell the ecstasy. The teenager, who was an ecstasy user himself, said he would sell tablets for £4 to friends and £6 to other people.

In a letter to Judge Scott, the boy's mother described how he had changed from being a normal teenager into a "lying, thieving layabout'' who would do anything to get drugs.

It was revealed during the hearing that the teenager had himself almost died due to the effects of taking ecstasy.

His barrister, Michelle Colbourne, said the boy had become involved in the "rife'' drugs culture in the area, but since his arrest he had managed to come off drugs and get himself work.

Judge Scott said the facts of the case were so grave that a sentence of general deterrence was required.

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