Dealer caught with drugs in his car has kept his freedom
A dealer caught with drugs in his car has kept his freedom.
Police had followed Paul Thompson's Volkswagen from Newcastle to Byker in November 2023 as there was suspicion the vehicle was involved in drug supply.
Newcastle Crown Court heard when officers approached and questioned Thompson he confessed they would find drugs in the vehicle.
Prosecutor Matthew Hopkins told the court cocaine, MDMA and ketamine, with a combined value of up to £2,420 was seized.
Thompson, 25, of Cloverhill Close, Annitsford, Cramlington, Northumberland, admitted possessing the drugs with intent to supply.
The court heard Thompson got involved in dealing after he ran up a drug debt and received threats.Mr Recorder Vann said Thompson's plight was "not an unfamiliar picture" and sentenced him to 18 months, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid work.
The recorder said Thompson made some "terrible decisions" but has been in no trouble before or since the offences and told him: "You had been got on a hook and you were caught on it."