Ex-manager became dealer after job loss led to drug use
FRIENDS of a respected hotel manager who became depressed after losing his job recommended he should try cocaine to “boost his mood”, a court has heard.
After “self-medicating” with cocaine Phillip Tyrrell then began dealing the Class A drug – a decision which has seen him handed a three-year prison sentence.
Craig Jones, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that 46-year-old Tyrrell was arrested on the afternoon of March 18 this year after police on patrol in the Uplands area of the city “effectively witnessed a drug deal taking place”.
The court heard officers saw the defendant lean into the open window of a parked car in Eaton Crescent and make an exchange with the woman in the passenger seat. Police moved in and searched both parties. The passenger was found with a wrap of cocaine while the defendant was found with more cocaine, cash, and a phone containing messages about the supply of drugs. A subsequent search of Tyrrell’s house uncovered another 5g of the drug.
Phillip John Tyrrell, of Pleasant Row, Brynhyfryd, Swansea, admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply, supplying cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. He has no previous convictions.
Andrew Evans, for Tyrrell, said a number of impressive references written on behalf of the defendant had been submitted to the court. He said his client had worked hard since leaving school – first in retail and then in hospitality. The advocate said after losing his job as the manager of a local hotel in August 2020 he had been unable to find alternative employment and, in effect, began to “self-medicate” with cocaine after “people suggested using it to boost to his mood”.
Tyrrell’s use of cocaine then developed into selling it to other users. Mr Evans said the defendant now realises he had made a “catastrophic” decision and it may be that people like Tyrrell didn’t necessarily understand that cocaine was Class A drug and the sentencing guidelines for those dealing the substance meant a prison sentence of some length was all but inevitable.
Recorder Christopher Clee QC told Tyrrell he had been caught red-handed carrying out a drug deal. He said he had read the references submitted to the court and it was depressing to see a man like the defendant before the courts.
Giving the defendant the required one-third discount for his guilty pleas the recorder sentenced him to three years in prison. Tyrrell will serve up to half that period in custody before being released on licence.