Drug dealer is spared jail to go to university
I’ve taken a merciful course says court judge
A TEENAGER from Hinckley who peddled hard drugs to his mates has been spared jail - so he can go to university.
Door staff at a city centre nightclub caught 19-year old Billy Morton with 17 ecstasy tablets after they saw him under the influence of “something”.
He was arrested at Leicester’s Sub-8ten nightclub, King Street, on April 16 last year.
Incriminating text messages relating to drugs were found on his mobile phone, said prosecutor Jonathan Dunne at Leciester Crown Court.
Morton, of Brechin Close, admitted possessing 17 ecstasy tablets with in- tent to supply, and supplying ecstasy, between April 2 and 16.
He also admitted offering to supply LSD between December 3, 2015 and April 16, 2016.
But Judge Marcus Tregilgas-Davey decided to be “merciful” to him so that he could continue his studies.
Morton was given a two-year detention sentence, suspended for two years, with 250 hours of unpaid work and 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.
Sentencing Morton, Judge Tregilgas-Davey said: “It’s clear from text messages on your phone the people you were supplying to were either your friends or friends of people you knew – a limited number of people who had a similar view towards drugs as you did at that time.”
The judge added: “You’re a bright and a thoughtful young man and you have much to be proud of and have much to offer society.
“You know that class A drugs ruin lives and tears communities apart - and you were involved in that trade.
“I bear in mind the success you’ve had at college with a guaranteed place at university and offers from other universities. Your references are hugely impressive.”
The judge said: “If I didn’t suspend the sentence your life would be ruined.
“I’ve taken a merciful course and you’re exceedingly lucky and the reason I’m suspending it is because of the impressive efforts you have made yourself.”
Vasanti Vaitha, mitigating, said: “Members of his family have attended and are extremely frightened about what is to happen. It was his lack of confidence that led to his drug use.”
Ms Vaitha said it was “remarkable” that while one area of his life was spiralling out of control, Morton was able to get “excellent grades” at college.
She said: “These proceedings have been a deterrent and it’s not something he wants to put his family through again.”
She argued that immediate custody would “hinder all the good progress he has made since this,” and urged a merciful sentence.