A dealer was caught after he ended up on the floor in a nightclub and drugs fell out of his pocket.
Callum Harrison was “apparently intoxicated” at Digital in Newcastle in February 2023 and a bouncer was told that he was on the floor so went to help. Newcastle Crown Court heard as the doorman gave assistance, a package containing smaller packets fell out of Harrison’s coat pocket.
The police were called and seized 11 bags of cocaine, worth around £550 on the streets. When Harrison was strip searched at the police station officers also found a packet containing seven ecstasy tablets, worth around £60, hidden between his bottom cheeks.
Prosecutor John Hobley told the court the security officer had been alerted to the defendant as he had been lying on the floor “apparently intoxicated” and added:
“When he helped the defendant to his feet he noticed a packet, containing smaller packets, fall out of his coat pocket onto the floor.
“The defendant was escorted to the security office and the police were called. The defendant was arrested at the nightclub and taken into to custody. On arrival he was the subject of a strip search and a further packet was located between his bottom cheeks.”
Harrison, 22, of Argus Close, Gateshead, admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine over a six day period leading up to the day of his arrest as well as possession of cocaine and ecstasy with intent to supply.
He accepted the drugs would have been shared or sold to people he knew. Ian Hudson, defending, said Harrison had a cocaine habit at the time but the court heard he sought help, now works full time and has been in trouble before or since.
Miss Recorder Felicity Davies sentenced him to 12 months, suspended for 12 months, with 200 hours unpaid work, rehabilitation requirements and £150 costs. The recorder told him: “I hope this experience has been a lasting turning point.”
Source – Newcastle world