A former college student from London has pleaded guilty to being in possession of crack cocaine, heroin and a knife in Great Yarmouth.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was found carrying the drugs following a search by police on July 27 this year.

Norwich Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday how the Croydon teenager had no previous convictions and had been studying at college.

Prosecutor Ian Devine said he was stopped by police on King Street after they grew suspicious of his activities.

They found him carrying 14 wraps of crack cocaine, 28 wraps of heroin, £1,000 in cash and a kitchen knife with cling film on the handle.

Mr Devine said: 'He appears to have travelled up to Great Yarmouth in possession of heroin and crack cocaine, and was no doubt intent on selling these substances before returning home to the London area.'

Anne-Marie Sheridan, mitigating, said the teenager became vulnerable after his mother died last year and his 'strict' father moved in.

Following a disagreement between the two, she said the defendant, who had been studying business at college, left home and began 'sofa surfing'. She said it was during this period that he became 'vulnerable'.

'He was told he could make money coming up to Norfolk [with the drugs], which he did,' she said.

Arguing against giving him bail, Mr Devine said the defendant's safety was at risk.

'He has lost around 40 wraps and the proceeds from that,' Mr Devine said. 'That is a considerable burden on his shoulders because those who supplied him would have expected an income when he came back.

'That has to be recouped.'

Ms Sheridan argued that the London gangs would expect to lose drugs and money on occasions.

She told the court that gangs were recruiting more and more young vulnerable people with 'clean records' to carry out their tasks.

Granting bail District judge Nick Watson said a pre-sentence report was needed.

The teen was put under curfew, which will be monitored by an electronic tag, and banned from coming into Norfolk.

He is due to appear at Norwich Magistrates' Court on August 22.