Leighton Whittley, of Ewloe Drive in Llandudno, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Friday.
The 20-year-old had previously admitted two offences of possession with intent to supply drugs (cannabis and cocaine) and two of being concerned in the supply drugs (cannabis and cocaine).
Patrick Gartland, prosecuting, told the court the offending happened between June and August 2024.
Police received intelligence about a drug supply line ‘heavily impacting Llandudno.’
The number was traced to the defendant, with a raid at his home address turning up drugs and the ‘graft’ phone itself.
It was found that during the period of the offending, the phone had been used to send out an average of 138 bulk texts a day advertising the sale of available drugs.
District Judge Gwyn Jones interjected to tell the court that also found was a “very nice list” detailing the defendant’s usual places for drug supply – which included a number of pubs and clubs around the town.
Nicholas Williams, defending, referred the court to a pre-sentence report prepared on behalf of his client.
He said: “He has expressed his regret and remorse to the author of that report and does so again to the court through me.
“The delay in this case has been significant.
“The offending is nearly two years old now – I can’t see why it’s taken so long. It’s not an acceptable delay in a case such as this.”
Mr Williams said however that the delay had allowed his client time to both remain offence free and to turn his life around.
He now has a legitimate job, a stable relationship and a young child, he said.
The court was also asked to bear in mind that the defendant was just 18 when his offending had come to light – and began when he was 17.
The Judge told Whittley: “The effect of drugs in the Conwy area is problematic.
“No doubt there will be significant concerns from parents who are afraid their children – if they go out – are going to be offered drugs.
“You were part and parcel of the supply chain – a street dealer.”
After considering the matter for some time, Judge Jones opted to impose an overall period of 24 months detention in a young offenders institute, but suspended it for 24 months, having concluded the defendant displayed a realistic prospect of longer-term rehabilitation.
As such, Whittley must undertake 15 rehabilitation activity days and 240 hours of unpaid work.
He will also be made subject to an eight month tagged trail monitoring requirement and must pay £240 costs, as well as a £187 victim surcharge.