Grimsby drug dealer's 'extraordinarily unique' transformation impresses judge

Grimsby Crown Court
-Credit: (Image: Donna Clifford/GrimsbyLive)


An eminent judge with more than 45 years of dedicated service presiding over hundreds of crown court cases said he had never in his career seen a transformation like that of a Grimsby drug dealer.

The turnaround in the life of Brandon Leshone was "extraordinary," said Judge Paul Watson KC.

From dealing drugs on the streets of Grimsby he has become a devoted father, partner and hard-working man, training in joinery, a court heard.

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The transformation in lifestyle was aided by him moving out of the area and not associating with former fellow drug dealers and people abusing drugs, his defence barrister Craig Lowe said.

Leshone, 25, admitted two offences of possession of crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply. Prosecuting at Grimsby Crown Court, Jazmine Lee said police officers were alerted to a disturbance in Patrick Street, Grimsby on December 8, 2022.

In the early hours of the morning, Humberside Police officers found Leshone at the wheel of a car, which also contained a juvenile and another man. Police found a machete. mobile phones, £140 in cash, 23 wraps of cocaine and 93 wraps of heroin.

Humberside Police analysed his phone contacts and discovered he was managing and directing underage people, said Miss Lee.

"He had a significant role and management function and was involved others, selling directly and there is the use of children," the prosecutor said.

Mr Lowe, of Leshone's behalf, submitted a number of letters of reference in support of his client. "There is one which is the best letter you will have seen in many years and talk of someone who has totally turned their life around," said Mr Lowe.

He added: "He has been drug free since January 2023 and distanced himself from those involved in drug supply and drug abuse. He has also stopped drinking alcohol. He has had commendable support from his family. He is training to become a joiner and is saving to buy a home and is highly motivated to change. He is now content with his life and proud that he can provide for his family."

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Mr Lowe said testimonials from relatives and friends highlighted his determination not to waiver from his new lifestyle and to rebuild his life. "He is a role model for his children," said Mr Lowe. The defence barrister said his client had said he was ashamed of what he had done in the past and wanted to focus on his children. "How can I teach them what is right from wrong?" he said.

Judge Watson KC told Leshone he was clearly part of a drug network, saying: "You knew full well the nature and scale of the operation. You had a 13-year-old boy in the car and a machete."

He added: "This was a case where drugs were being sold directly to users. Your case is a remarkable one. I would go so far as to say unique in my experience. In two years, you have completely turned your life around. You were a drug user and got yourself involved with other people on drugs.

"But since your arrest you have been drug-free and alcohol free as well. You have got yourself working and training as a joiner and started using your initiative and people speak highly of you."

The judge said the defendant's realisation of his parental responsibilities, along with his decision to move away from Grimsby and not to associate with the same people as before, had benefitted his lifestyle transformation.

Judge Watson KC said: "You have turned a corner and are on the right path to making something of yourself. You have become as asset to your firm."

He added that he wanted more evidence of the transformation in lifestyle and deferred sentence for six months for the defendant to prove it was "not a flash in the pan, or if this is an extraordinary story of someone who has put their past behind them."

He urged Leshone to demonstrate the same progress over the next six months.