A SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD old caught in possession of more than a dozen drug wraps has been sentenced to 12 months detention and training.

The bags of heroin and crack cocaine were discovered in a car the youth was sitting in at Blackburn.

Preston Crown Court was told he had got involved, following threats from a drug dealer who wanted a debt "paid off".

The Haslingden youth, who cannot be named due to his age, was sentenced for two offences of possession with intent to supply which he had admitted.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said police went to Dombey Street, Blackburn last November to investigate a suspected car break in.

One male ran off, but the defendant was in the vehicle. A check on the Police National Computer showed that the vehicle was thought to be linked with drug crime.

A search was carried out and drugs were found in the car. There were eight bags of heroin and eight of crack cocaine.

The 16-year-old had previous convictions including burglary and assault.

At the time of the offences he was on a conditional discharge for simple possession of cocaine.

Martin Hackett, defending, said the background to the case was that someone had hidden some drugs in bushes and the youth went and took them away himself.

The substances were passed on to friends.

However, the owner of the drugs found out it was the boy who had done it.

"He was subjected to threats to become involved and associate in dealing to in effect, pay off the debt to the man", added Mr Hackett.

The boy had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

He had never before received a custodial sentence.

Judge Anthony Russell QC told the youngster the offences were serious.

He also told him: "Even if you were doing so under pressure, involvement in supplying of drugs to other people is viewed by the courts as a serious offence.

"I have no alternative but to impose a sentence of detention and training."