A TEENAGER caught with drugs and a knife had managed to turn around his life in lockdown, a court heard.

Neighbours in the Hulme area of Manchester, fearful of drug dealing, had alerted police about a suspicious cyclist touring the streets, Minshull Street Crown Court heard.

Police were called to the Higher Cambridge Street area, back in July 2019, and detained Haris Rehman after a short chase, the court was told.

Rehman was searched and found to have a lock knife and small amounts of crack cocaine and heroin hidden in his underwear.

Because of delays in charging Rehman, then of Kings Road, Stretford, had only appeared in the dock months later.

He had pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and the two class A drugs.

Defence counsel Denise Fitzpatrick said while prosecutors say neighbours had complained about drug dealing her client had only been charged with the simple possession of crack and heroin.

Rehman was effectively homeless at the time, she told the court, but was still attending court.

While remaining under investigation, he had secured a number of A levels and had qualified for a degree course at Kingston University down south.

Miss Fitzpatrick said he was now living in student halls and was making good progress.

Rehman was given a 12-month community order, with 30 rehabilitation activity days and 150 hours community service.

Passing sentence, Judge Angela Nield said: "You have significantly changed your life for the better."