Drug dealer fell off his motorbike after riding past police
MAN, 40, JAILED FOR FOUR YEARS AFTER HEROIN FIND
AMAN seen riding a motorbike extremely slowly late at night on the main street of a Gwynedd village attracted the attention of police.
As Andrew Lee Hughes approached the officers he fell off the machine in front of them a judge heard.
The 40-year-old was said to be “very intoxicated” and failed a drug swipe test and was arrested.
Hughes’ home at Maes Bleddyn, Rachub near Bethesda was searched and illegal drugs, including heroin, were found.
Officers also realised Hughes had been released under investigation after a search of the property the previous November revealed illegal drugs and other drug-related items.
Hughes admitted charges of possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply in November 2017 and possessing heroin with intent to supply in May 2018. He also admitted possession of various controlled drugs of Classes A, B and C.
Jailing him for four years at Mold Crown Court for the May 2018 offence, Judge Niclas Parry said: “You’re an important cog in what I have no doubt is a far bigger wheel.
“But your role involves adding to the misery in North west Wales, the small village communities, where the problems caused by class A drugs are rife.”
The judge reminded Hughes he had already served one prison sentence for supplying drugs and was under investigation after the police raid on his home in November 2017.
“While the inquiries were being carried out you were at it again, on the streets of Bethesda, ready to supply drugs,” he added.
Prosecuting barrister Ryan Rothwell said after his initial arrest Hughes claimed he was holding the drugs for another man who he refused to name.
After his second arrest Hughes claimed the drugs were for his personal use. He continued to deny the supply offences and a trial was set but he later changed his pleas.
Mr Rothwell said Hughes had three previous convictions for drug related offences. In 2012 he had been jailed for three years for possessing drugs with intent to supply.
Defence counsel Dafydd Roberts said Hughes realised a jail sentence was inevitable.
He said Hughes had been a heavy user of drugs since he was a teenager and had been under pressure from others to pay off debts for drugs.