Hartlepool drug dealer had safe in boot of his car containing cocaine deals

James Dean Thompson, 31, had a safe in the boot of his car containing prepared cocaine deals and two shoe boxes of cannabis, Teesside Crown Court heard.

The police helicopter had been following Thompson’s car over the Throston area of Hartlepool at around 1.40am on July 22 last year before he abandoned the vehicle.

But the helicopter saw which house he went inside and officers were soon knocking on is door.

When he went with police back to the vehicle it smelled strongly of cannabis and was searched.

Dr Chris Wood, prosecuting, said: “In the boot they found a safe. The defendant produced the key code.

"Inside were numerous grip seal bags of white powder and two Nike shoe boxes containing grip seal bags of cannabis and some scales were also found.”

There were 33 bags of cocaine and 41 bags of cannabis with a total street value of £1,330.

Texts from customers asking for drugs were also found on Thompson’s mobile phones.

"They demonstrate the defendant was clearly involved in dealing,” added Dr Wood.

Thompson, of Throston Grange Lane, pleaded guilty to possession of class A and B drugs with intent to supply.

Paul Cleasby, defending, said in mitigation that Thompson turned to alcohol and drugs after a family bereavement.

He said: “That quickly spiralled out of control for Mr Thompson and regrettably he found himself in a position where he owed large sums of money and that explains his involvement in this offending.

"Happily it was short-lived.”

Mr Cleasby added Thompson had shown he can change by complying with a suspended sentence he got for the driving matters.

He also had no previous convictions for drugs.

"This defendant has taken genuine steps to rehabilitate himself,” said Mr Cleasby.

The Recorder of Middlesbrough Judge Paul Watson said: “The message that has to go out from this court is that people who make money, for whatever reasons, who sell class A drugs to street users will receive custodial sentences.”

Thompson was jailed for 18 months.

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