MAN, 29, DROVE HIS DEALER AROUND CITY IN RETURN FOR COCAINE
Court told herdsman was ‘desperate’ and would do anything for the drug
‘DESPERATE’ druggie Thomas Locke drove his dealer around in return for cocaine.
The 29-year-old was pulled over by police on Waterloo Road between Burslem and Cobridge when officers discovered drugs and the dealer in his car.
Now Locke has been sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Stoke-on-trent Crown Court.
Locke, of Poolside in Madeley, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a class A drug. His plea was on the basis he agreed to transport a drug dealer around in exchange for cocaine.
Prosecutor Jonathan Barker said: “In November 2019, officers stopped a vehicle being driven by the defendant on Waterloo Road.
“There was a man in the front seat, there were also drugs on the seat, £340 of cash and three wraps of cocaine.
“There were texts that suggested the defendant was addicted to cocaine and agreed to drive his dealer around.”
Jason Holt, mitigating, said Locke – a self-employed herdsman – was tested for a number of substances including cannabis, cocaine, opiates and methadone and he tested negative in respect of them all.
He added: “He had issues with a previous relationship and was suffering with his mental health at the time.
“He found himself desperate at the time and would do anything for cocaine.
“He lost control and is a man who was desperate to kick his habit.
“His grandmother called him a plonker, and he accepts he needs further help.”
As part of the suspended sentence, Locke must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for 25 days and 180 hours of unpaid work.
He was ordered to pay £1,000 costs. Judge Paul Glenn said: “Your plea was on a basis the Crown accepted – that on two occasions you provided transport for your dealer in exchange for cocaine, to which at the time you were heavily addicted.
“Text messages support your account. “Since the offence there are some positive signs. Now you are abstinent from drugs and have curbed your excessive alcohol use.
“You come from a supportive family. “It is serious because you chose to involve yourself in the supply of a highly addictive class A drug.
“I think there are some grounds for cautious optimism, and the probation service think they can work with you.”
Judge Glenn ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and the cash seized.