A dealer has avoided jail after drugs, a knuckleduster and a Taser disguised as a torch were found in his home.
Police found the weapons, £1,800-worth of cocaine, scales, small plastic bags and £400 cash when they raided Christopher Ward's address in Washington, Sunderland. A court heard that the 41-year-old's phone was seized and messages were discovered, which were indicative of him dealing the class A drug at street level.
Prosecutors said that the Taser was not capable of being used as the battery was depleted but Ward, of Park Avenue, in Washington, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of a weapon capable of electrical incapacitation and possession of an offensive weapon.
He pleaded guilty to all offences at Newcastle Crown Court and was given a 20-month prison sentence, suspended for 24 months. Miss Recorder Davies told him: "The offences took place in July 2022 in Washington. On that date a warrant was executed at your address and you were located in the property.
"The property was searched and items attributed to drug supply were found."
Kevin Wardlaw, prosecuting, said police searched Ward's home on July 7 and found £1,800-worth of cocaine either in the bedroom, living room or on his person. They also discovered £400 cash, scales and small plastic bags. Wards mobile was also seized.
Mr Wardlaw added: "It was street-dealing territory. His mobile phone indicated he had been dealing class A drugs."
The court heard that Ward only had one previous conviction and had been addicted to cocaine himself at the time. He claimed he had been selling the drug to pay off debts.
Richard Holland, defending, added: "He's made significant efforts to rehabilitate himself. He has now got his own decorating company and he tells me how well that's going. He's now cleared all of his debts."
