Grandad on drugs drove family in van

A DRUG-DEALING grandfather was under the influence of cocaine and cannabis when he drove with his daughter and granddaughter in his van.

He was also found to have a bag of cannabis which led to a search of his home. Brian Evans, 58, was stopped by police in Maesteg Road, Bridgend, on July 29 last year after they could smell cannabis coming from his van.

He told officers he had recently been smoking cannabis and a roadside breath test revealed he had also taken cocaine.

A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court yesterday heard police also seized a plastic bag containing 3g of cannabis with a street value of £30.

They also seized an air rifle found in the van, which was later categorised as a legal weapon.

A search of Evans’ home in Heol Glannant, Bettws, resulted in police recovering five dry cannabis plants and a Samsung mobile phone.

When examined, the phone was found to contain messages relating to drug dealing, with the defendant receiving messages from customers asking for £10 and £30 deals.

Evans was arrested and was found in possession of £1,885 in cash. He claimed he only dealt drugs to close friends of his and he had a cannabis habit which cost him £350 a week.

The defendant later pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis. He has a number of previous conviction between 1981 and 1998 but had been of clean character for more than 20 years. Evans was fined and disqualified from driving when he was dealt with for the driving offences at an earlier hearing.

In mitigation, the court heard Evans was concerned about being sent to prison due to the potential impact on his wife, who suffers from agoraphobia.

The defendant said he has now addressed his substance misuse and claims to no longer be using drugs.

Recorder David Elias QC chastised the defendant for having an air rifle in his van when driving under the influence but said this would not play a part in determining the sentence.

Evans was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.