A CHEMISTRY student set up in business selling cannabis and a designer drug to anyone who asked him, York Crown Court heard.

Police discovered Qays Ali Akhtar's operation when he was involved in an incident at McDonald's in Blake Street on May 15, central York, Chris Smith, prosecuting, said.

He had cannabis worth £500 in street deals and a Class B designer drug, methylenedioxy-ethylcathinone, also known as BK-MDEA, which was worth £300 in street deals at his shared student house in the city.

His mobile phone had text messages revealing he had been dealing in drugs from March 2 and was prepared to sell "to anyone who wished to contact him," said Mr Smith.

University student Akhtar, 21, of Grasmere Avenue, Wembley, London, pleaded guilty to possessing the drugs found at his house with intent to supply them and two charges of possessing Class B drugs for his own use.

Recorder Simon Batiste said he was an intelligent man with a bright future. "I cannot understand why someone with your level of intelligence could be so stupid as to involve themselves in drug dealing."

He gave him an eight-month prison sentence, but suspended it for 12 months on condition he did 140 hours' unpaid work after Akhtar's solicitor advocate Kevin Blount told him Akhtar would lose his university place if he was sent to jail. Akhtar was cautioned for assault in connection with the McDonald's incident.

Mr Smith said police called to McDonald's on May 15, saw Akhtar walking along Davygate. As they approached, they saw him drop three bags containing small amounts of cannabis and BK-MDEA crystals to the ground.

"You have got me far and square, well done," he told them as they arrested him.

Police found £2,000 in cash at Akhtar's student address which he claims was legitimately obtained and which the CPS claims is drug profits.

He will face an assets confiscation hearing next year at which a judge will decide which is correct.