…By Alan Peterson for TDPel Media.
Simon Richards, a family man, claimed that the cocaine stash was solely for his personal use.
During the search, officers discovered 157g of high-purity cocaine, valued at approximately £15,600 on the street.
During sentencing, Andrew Evans, representing Richards, explained that the defendant had turned to drug use during the Covid lockdowns when he found himself directionless with ample free time.
Recorder Aiden Eardley KC, considering the evidence presented, noted that Richards had been supplying cocaine to approximately ten like-minded friends.
With a one-quarter discount for his guilty pleas, Richards received a 33-month prison sentence, of which he will serve up to half in custody before being released on license to complete the remaining period in the community.
A Proceeds of Crime Act investigation will now be conducted to examine the defendant’s finances.