Blackpool man faces modern slavery charge after allegedly forcing young boy to deliver drugs

Brian Dennison, 22, faces drugs charges as well as an offence under the Modern Slavery Act.

Dennison, of Chipping Grove, Grange Park, is alleged to have made the boy, who is of school age, to deliver drugs on the estate between January and August this year.

He is further charged with three offences of being concerned in the supply of heroin,crack cocaine and cannabis.

District Judge Jane Goodwin, sitting at Blackpool Magistrates’ Court sent him for trial at Preston Crown Court, where he will appear on September 9.

Dennison was remanded in custody at yesterday’s hearing.

Pam Smith prosecuting said the slavery charge involved the alleged exploitation of the boy in the distribution of the drugs.

The prosecutor alleged that five mobile phones were found at Dennison’s home plus £500 in cash and what the Crown claims are drugs.

The defendant’s lawyer Robert Castle did not enter any pleas.