Yahoo News Sleeping driver wakes up as police seize monkey dust in raid on his car
Drug-dealer Aaron Kirk has been spared jail - after a four-year wait to learn his court fate. Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the 42-year-old became involved in drug supply following the breakdown of his relationship.
He was arrested after police busted a parked car on Sandbach Road, in Cobridge, in September 2020. He had monkey dust on him, his mobile phone was seized, and a search of a house discovered cannabis with a street value of £940.
Prosecutor Emily Calman said: "His mobile was seized. There were a number of texts found on it which were indicative of drug dealing."
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Kirk, of Uttoxeter Road, Blythe Bridge, pleaded guilty to possession of a class B drug with intent to supply and possession of a class B drug.
Paul Cliff, mitigating, said Kirk's relationship ended and he moved into a rental property. Others took advantage of his accommodation and he was introduced to cocaine and monkey dust.
Mr Cliff added: "These were drugs he had never used before and he sold cannabis to people known to him. It was very low level to fund his own use with very modest benefit."
Mr Cliff said Kirk's life has been on hold for four years. He added his client has no previous convictions and no longer uses drugs.
Recorder Robert Smith said: "On September 9, 2020 you were searched by the police. Information was received by them and they saw a Volkswagen Passat parked up. You were asleep in the driver's seat. Police searched you. They found monkey dust on you, drugs paraphernalia, and a phone containing drugs supply messages. A search of a house led to police finding cannabis.
"You were involved in drug supply following the breakdown of your relationship. You started to deal for financial gain on a relatively small scale and for very modest financial gain.
"The fact that really tips me to suspend the sentence is this was four years ago. The prosecution has no explanation as to why it has taken the better part of half a decade to bring the case to court."
Kirk was handed an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement. He must pay £150 costs.
