A drug dealer was caught after police on patrol noticed a strong smell of cannabis, a court has heard.
Philip Slater, 29, of Lugsmore Lane, St Helens, appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday. Nick Cockrell, prosecuting, detailed that on June 24, 2021, police officers on patrol in St Helens spotted Slater on a bike and they could smell cannabis coming from him.
He was searched and found with 35 bags on him, and a red “zkittlez” snap bag pouch with 3.47 grams of cannabis in it. More clear bags were found containing 3.44 grams of cannabis, packaged into one ounce deals worth around £30-50 each.
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A further 34 grams of the drug was found in another bag, split into £10 street deals totalling around £380. One bag of cocaine holding to 0.68 grams, and £288.94 in cash, were also found.
A Nokia phone was seized, and when analysed by police, showed Slater had been dealing both cannabis and cocaine. The phone continued to ring and receive text as Slater was being arrested.
He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to supply cannabis, but did not plead guilty to being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs until the day of trial. David Watson, defending, said his client was addicted to Class A drugs and had amassed a debt to those higher up the chain, and was selling to repay that debt.
Mr Watson said: “He relapsed in 2020 and things spiralled out of control, he informs me he was using up to £2,500 worth of cocaine on a weekly basis.” He added that his client has two young children who he has contact with, and this would be his first ever custodial sentence.
His Honour Judge David Swinnerton said: “You were street dealing because of the debt that you had. You got involved with people making much more money than you did or ever will, and are much more dangerous than you or you ever will be.”
He added: “As I am sure you understand because of the position you find yourself in, Class A drugs ruin lives. Being a Class A drug addict has done you no favours, and of course you have spread that pain and destruction to others by dealing on the streets.”
Slater was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment and forfeiture and destruction of the phone and drugs was ordered.
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