Blackpool drug dealers were arrested after police found drugs in young boy's home in resort

However modern slavery charges alleging the trio were involved in making the boy deliver drugs on the estate have been withdrawn.

Prosecuting, Jamie Baxter told Preston Crown Court there was text evidence on the boys phone that he was attempting to sack himself from the job he was carrying out for the defendants, telling one: " Your bits and that are behind a wheelie bin, can't be a**ed doing it you're always moaning at me and you ain't give me nought for eight days."

But the youngster was called names and persuaded to carry on.

Police arrested the teenager at his home in Blackpool in January and found heroin and crack.

He was then arrested again on May 11 at another address, in which drugs with a street value of more than £1,800 were found.

A mobile phone was seized from him and an examination showed numerous messages - around 10 a day - directing him to deliver and collect drugs.

There were 1,421 contacts between the boy's phone and defendant Jack Sanderson, 21.

Mr Baxter said: "They were mainly to the effect he was being directed to deliver drugs, for example he was told to go to the chippy with 'one of each'."

Police raided the home of Sanderson and his mum Amanda Walsh, 44, on Larbreck Avenue, Blackpool, on May 19, and found further drugs and cash.

Three days later officers returned and found drugs and cash in Sanderson's bedroom.

Sanderson admits being concerned in the supply of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis, while his mother admits possession of 750 diazepam tablets with intent to supply.

The examination of the boy's phone also led officers to Brian Dennison, 22, of Chipping Grove, Grange Park, who admits being concerned in the supply of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis from April 13 to May 6.

Over a similar period he was in contact with the boy 720 times, again instructing him to take drugs to a chippy or nearby garages

Walsh was sentenced to a community order by Judge Richard Gioserano, but the sentencing of Sanderson and Dennison was adjourned to May 14 for further details to be obtained about their alleged role in the 'drug line', which could affect their sentencing outcome.

Defending Walsh, Julie Taylor said: " She was originally prescribed diazepam but her doctor refused to continue, believing she was becoming addicted.

"He prescribed something else she felt wasn't working and she began to buy diazepam illicitly.

"She found the cheapest way was to buy it in bulk, more than she herself could use or afford so she sold some to cover the cost of her own use. She was funding her own habit effectively.

"She is a lady of, to all intents and purposes, previous good character.

"She has great difficulties with mental health problems, anxiety and depression, hence her use of diazepam and has all sorts of difficulties going on in her life."

It is understood the boy has not been prosecuted on account of the pressure placed on him.

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