SPANISH DRUG DEALER JAILED

POLICE FOUND CANNABIS WHILE INVESTIGATING THEFT

Source : 01/09/2000 Northampton Chronicle and Echo

A Spanish man who joined the Jesus Army to stop him following in the footsteps of his heroin addict sister was today starting a 15 month jail sentence for a series of drug offences.

The man, 23, was sent to join the Nether Heyford-based group by his mother but got involved in the drug scene after falling out with his girlfriend, also a member of the sect.

Northampton Crown Court was told how his activities came to light after a neighbour, who lived in a bedsit in the same house, called police to complain about a theft.

Michael Ellis, prosecuting, said that when officers arrived at the flat on May 12 the defendant told them the complainant was inside.

He said: 'When officers entered they detected a strong smell of cannabis and saw a cannabis plant in the corner of the room.'

'Asked whether there were drugs there, the man handed over a bag containing electronic scales. They also took possession of various drugs, £1,500 mostly in £100 bundles and a personal organiser containing names with money owing against them.'

In all, cannabis resin totalling 211 grams, five ecstasy tablets and 19 grams of amphetamine sulphate were seized.

Under police questioning, the man claimed he was looking after the drugs for someone else. He would not name that person but it was revealed that the man had three bank accounts.

Bridget Ferguson, defending, who revealed why the man had come to Britain when he was 15, said he was of good character.

He had sold cannabis to a small circle of friends and the other substances were for his personal use. He was now seeking help with his drug problem.

He pleaded guilty to possessing the cannabis with intent to supply and simple possession of the ecstasy tablets and amphetamine.