Cocaine accused has “reduced heart function” due to drug use, Belfast Crown Court told
A Co Antrim man diagnosed with a heart condition linked to his use of drugs was sentenced for three offences today (Monday).
Christopher Mark Harding was handed a 16-month sentence comprising of one month in prison followed by 15 months on licence.
Judge Patrick Lynch KC said he had divided the term this way to allow Harding to undergo a drug treatment programme whilst on licence which he said would be “of benefit to him (Harding) and to society in general.”
From Ashbourne Manor in Carrickfergus, the 33-year old admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine between October 22 and 29, 2022, concerned in the supply of cannabis on dates between October 23 and 27, 2022 and possessing criminal property on October 29, 2022.
Belfast Crown Court heard that on October 29, 2022 police were on patrol in the Holywood Road area of the city when they witnessed suspicious activity. At around 3.10pm, officers observed a BMW pulling up outside a property, the driver getting out of the car and exchanging items with a man at that address.
The BMW was stopped by the PSNI a short time later and the driver handed over a bag of cocaine which he said he had just purchased for £80. This prompted police to return to the property on the Holywood Road at 4.10pm and a search was conducted.
Items seized during this search included digital scales, further quantities of cocaine and £1775 in cash. Harding was arrested in the property and his mobile phone was seized and examined. Messages on the phone indicated he was involving in supplying drugs.
Following his arrest, Harding was interviewed by police and denied handing the BMW driver cocaine and said the cash found was from selling dogs. Judge Lynch said he had read and considered defence submissions including a pre-sentence report.
He noted that Harding admitted he had a long-standing drug problem and became involved in the offending due to re-paying drug debts. Harding also claimed that he had to move house after being ‘targeted by dealers’ following his arrest.
Defence barrister Mark Farrell revealed his client had been diagnosed with “reduced heart function” which a doctor attributed to his usage of drugs.
Mr Farrell said his client has “endangered his own health” and has “paid a heavy price” for the drug misuse that has been part of his life for “many years”.
The defence barrister added that Harding is now “on the path and route of rehabilitation”, has been abstinent for six months and is “making positive changes in his life”.
Placing Harding’s position in the drugs trade as “a retailer who sells to the public for commercial gain”, Judge Lynch imposed the 16-month sentence.
He also granted a Destruction Order for the drugs seized and said that the criminal property amounting to £1775 should be donated to a drugs charity.
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