Jail for dealer caught with crack and heroin
A TILEHURST man has been jailed for more than two years for drug offences.
James Buckthorpe, 50 and of Hollicombe Close, was sentenced for two years and five months at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, March 28.
He was also required to forfeit drugs, a mobile phone, and £425 in cash.
He pleaded guilty at the same hearing to two counts of possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug, namely crack cocaine and heroin, and a further count of failing to surrender.
It follows an incident last year when, on March 23, a Vauxhall Corsa was stopped by Thames Valley Police officers under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Buckthorpe was driving the vehicle, in whose jacket a mobile phone and £425 in cash were found.
An enhanced search found four drugs – heroin, acquiring criminal property, driving whilst disqualified, and using a motor vehicle with no insurance. wraps of cocaine and eight wraps of heroin, with a street value of around £240.
He was arrested on the same day and charged on September 16, but, after failing to appear at court, he was again arrested on January 16 this year.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Jon Nicholls, based at Reading police station, said: “Thames Valley Police does not tolerate the supply of drugs and Buckthorpe has been sentenced as a result.
“I hope this sentence shows the seriousness with which drug dealing is taken.
“We work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice and take these drugs off our streets.
“The information from the public around the drug supply offences in Reading plays an important role in developing intelligence into a proactive investigation.
“Anyone with information about drug dealing can contact us by calling 101 or by making a report online.
“If you do not wish to speak to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and they will take your information 100% anonymously.”