DRUG DEALER SPENT ‘LAST TWO YEARS IN A CANNABIS HAZE’

Prison sentence for ‘vital cog’ in the supply chain

DRUG-DEALER Alex Fletcher has been jailed after being caught with more than £1,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine.

The 18-year-old was seen acting suspiciously in Fenton when officers followed him to his home. And when they knocked on his door he threw a bag containing the two class A drugs out of an upstairs window and into a neighbouring garden. Now Fletcher has been sentenced to 28 months detention in a young offenders’ institution.

Prosecutor Philip Beardwell told Stoke-onTrent Crown Court police saw him acting suspiciously in Best Street, Fenton, on the evening of July 10.

Mr Beardwell said: “He was seen to make off on an electric scooter and was followed back to Dennis Street, Fenton.

“Police knocked on the door and saw a hand appear from the top of the property and throw an item into a neighbouring garden.

“Police entered the address. The defendant was the sole occupant.

“Officers recovered six bags of crack cocaine with a £600 street value and five grams of heroin with a street value of £500. Police also seized £727, scales and a mobile phone.”

Fletcher, of Dennis Street, Fenton, pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.

He entered his pleas on the basis he was holding the drugs for someone else and was told when and where to deliver them.

Jason Holt, mitigating, said his client had never been in trouble before. He added: “He has been using cannabis since he was 15. He is a rudderless ship and has meandered around in a cannabis haze for the last two years.

“He blamed that on having no National Insurance number. He has now taken the time to obtain one. If he keeps his liberty he has an appointment at the job centre to see a work coach with a view to looking for work.

“He still has problems with cannabis but has significantly reduced his use. He is anxious to rid himself of his cannabis misuse. He performed a limited function under direction.”

But Judge Paul Glenn said only an immediate sentence could be justified.

Judge Glenn said: “You have never worked, never claimed benefits, and never shown any inclination at all to start living a meaningful life.

“You played a vital cog in the supply chain because the actions of people like you allow people higher up the chain to remain undetected. You must have had a good idea of the scale of the operation.

“I hope this has been a wake-up call for you and when released you can start living a normal existence. You are still young.”