Drug dealing homeless man sent to prison

A HOMELESS man has been jailed after pleading guilty to drug dealing.

Last Thursday, Max Gough, 26, appeared at Reading Crown Court where he admitted to have a range of Class A drugs with intent to supply. He was caught in Denton Road, Wokingham in September.

Thames Valley Police said that around 1.30pm on Wednesday, September 26, officers saw a car on Denton Road, Wokingham which had intelligence suggesting the occupants were dealing drugs.

Gough, who was driving the car, attempted to escape but was stopped on Southlands Road.

On searching Gough and his vehicle, 81 wraps of heroin and 41 wraps of crack cocaine to a value of around £2,200 was located, along with £865 in cash.

As a result, Gough was arrested and charged on the same date.

When he appeared at Reading Crown Court on Thursday, November 15, Gough admitted one count of possession with intent to supply crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to supply heroin, and one count of failing to comply with a Section 49 notice to disclose the key to protected information.

After pleading guilty, Gough was sentenced to a total of two years and 10 months’ imprisonment.

A forfeiture order for the cash and drugs was also made at the same hearing.

Investigating officer PC Dan Colyer of the Wokingham Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “This is a significant sentence as a direct result of information and intelligence from the local community.

“Gough had no previous convictions, but the intelligence that was provided to us gave us cause to stop and search Gough, locating a significant quantity of drugs and cash.

“Not only was Gough in possession of drugs, but he did not co-operate with police by refusing to give PIN numbers to his phones, which hampered our investigation. He has been sentenced accordingly for that offence also.

“Drugs supply will not be tolerated in the Thames Valley, and offenders will be dealt with robustly.

“This conviction shows how important it is for the local community to engage with police and provide information regarding drug abuse and supply.

“I would urge anyone who has any information to contact the 24hour non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”