A disabled man who was caught dealing drugs from his mobility scooter told police 'it's only weed.'
Dean Quarton initially refused to pull over his motorized aid after police noticed he smelt strongly of cannabis. He told them: "I'm not pulling over lad, no chance."
But Liverpool Crown Court heard he was brought to a stop before telling officers: "It's only weed, I don't want to lose my weed."
READ MORE: Teenager who killed dad in 'unusual circumstances' walks free from court
When he was searched officers found £4,000 cash, a quantity of cannabis in the console of the scooter and mobile phone, said Rachel Oakdene, prosecuting. The 37-year-old claimed his brother had given him the cash but it has been forfeited without objection at a a magistrates' court hearing.
His home in Norris Green, Liverpool, was searched and police found a small amount of cannabis, plastic bags and digital scales. When interviewed he denied dealings in drugs and said they were for his own use.
But the court heard when his mobile phone was analysed, there were messages and videos showing he had been dealing in cannabis.
"The messages were consistent with social supply drug dealing supporting his own habit with some element of financial gain," Ms Oakdene said.
Miss Oakdene pointed out however that he had only been charged with possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Quarton, who had previous convictions for possessing cannabis, admitted the offence.
Ken Heckle, defending, said that Quarton does not use his 'extreme injury' as an excuse and 'accepts drugs are not the way forward and wants assistance with that.'
"He would use some of the cannabis himself and sell to family and friends for financial gain or favours. He accepts his habit was getting worse and worse but he is capable of rehabilitation," said Mr Heckle.
The judge, Recorder Tim Harrington, sentenced him 10 month imprisonment suspended for 18 months and ordered him to carry out 100 hours unpaid work and 15 days rehabilitation activities.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Husband, 35, who "on the face of it, has normal existence", stalked seven women including schoolgirls from his car in terrifying 90 minute rampage
- Cyclist dad-of-two left with horrific injuries in 'hit-and-run' crash captured on CCTV
- Greater Manchester hour-by-hour weather forecast for today
- Greggs is giving away FREE hot drinks and bakes worth £4 for certain customers
- University of Salford removes student nurses from NHS mental health unit under investigation by police
