A 20 year old Gloucester man who admits carrying a knife in public whilst peddling hard drugs has been told he will receive a custodial sentence.

Ackeen Wright, of Deans Way, Gloucester, pleaded guilty at the city crown court yesterday to possessing cocaine with intent to supply on 23rd January this year.

He also admitted being in possession of a large carving knife in St Mary's Square in the city on the same date.

The court heard Wright had a previous criminal conviction when aged 18.

Defence lawyer, Sarah Jenkins, said Wright had come under pressure to deal from others who had stabbed him with a knife.

She said 'a possible trafficking stroke duress defence' had been explored 'but was not made out'.

The lawyer asked for time to submit a written basis of plea.

"He was approached by individuals from outside the area last year," Mrs Jenkins said.

"There was a discussion between themselves, and they offered to sell him cannabis which he bought.

"They exchanged numbers, and arranged to meet. They urged upon him to work for them by supplying crack cocaine.

"He felt pressured, and when he tried to refuse, he was confronted by a knife.

"He was injured, he attempted to defend himself, but received a nasty slash wound to his hand.

"He came to the attention of the wrong people and he had an injury inflicted upon him," the lawyer said arguing 'that could take him down to a lesser role' in sentencing guidelines.

Judge Ian Lawrie QC remarked: "Unhappily he does have a previous conviction for an identical offence."

Mrs Jenkins replied: "Principle defendant was Mr Sheikh, who I think is serving a substantial offence of a stabbing."

Prosecutor, Janine Wood added: "Mr Wright was a runner for Mr Sheikh, who had a number of people under him.

"There was an investigation and he came to the police's attention. He was a runner."

Granting the adjournment of sentence, Judge Lawrie said: "A basis of plea is important.

"It will be a term of custody, but duration is important.

"You will remain in custody," he told Wright.

In December 2016, Wright was jailed as part of Operation Emperor.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner said at that hearing Wright was part of a four man gang run by Nasir Sheikh.

Sheikh, 25, formerly of Bedford Street, Gloucester, was jailed for eight years in 2016 for his part in the drug operation.

Wright received 18 months detention in a young offenders institute for conspiring to supply heroin in Cheltenham between 12th April - 9th September 2015.

Wright will be sentenced for his latest drug offence on 13th March. He was remanded in custody.