A man who dealt drugs in an Islington children’s playground and then tried to run from a police officer has been convicted.
Willano Moore was seen dealing in Paradise Park on August 31, 2020, and was chased by an officer to the playground of a local school where he was detained and arrested.
Moore, 25, of Hornsey Street, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and acquiring, using, and possessing criminal property.
He was convicted at Snaresbrook Crown Court on May 2 and will return for sentencing on June 28 where will likely be handed a prison sentence.
The conviction came after Metropolitan Police officers searched the area and found a burner phone he had discarded in a shrub in a back garden adjacent to the school.
An investigation found the phone was linked to a drug line offering crack cocaine and heroin for sale.
He was initially charged in 2022 and pleaded not guilty. He changed his plea ahead of a trial due to the evidence against him, the Met said on Friday.
Sergeant Will Smith said: “Moore was desperate to get away from officers after being seen openly dealing drugs in a children's play park. An officer bravely gave chase and he was quickly arrested.
“He had fled into a local school playground but thankfully this incident happened when the children were on their summer holidays.
“The evidence against him, including the discarded phone, meant Moore had no option but to plead guilty.”
