Client Avoids Prison for Role in Worcester Drug Line

Case study summary

Our client found himself part of a county lines operation selling class A drugs throughout Worcester and the Midlands. We were able to produce compelling mitigation, including his own battle with a drug addiction, which ensured he received a suspended sentence.

Case study

Our client was initially represented by another firm at his first court appearance. Having been charged with supply of class a drugs alongside five others, he instantly recognised the severity of the situation. Knowing he needed specialist drug defence lawyers, he decided to transfer to be represented by us.

When we received the prosecution evidence, it was clear that a lengthy and comprehensive investigation had taken place. We were provided with phone communications, ANPR, cell site analysis, forensic reports alongside copious amounts of witness statements and other exhibits. By the time the prosecution finished serving evidence, we had over 26,000 pages to consider. This was a large scale operation and it was vital for us to understand how our client fit into it all.

After taking a considerable amount of the time to take our client's instructions, it became apparent that he had been a victim to this county line. Back in 2020, he was struggling with a gambling addiction that was made worse but a growing cocaine addiction. When he could no longer afford to pay his dealer, he was offered an alternative payment method. To be a street dealer. In return, his debt would be ignored and he could get drugs on 'tick'.

Despite the circumstances that led him to be here, our client was still involved of a large scale county lines operation and we knew there was a real chance of custody. To support submissions for a suspended sentence, we reached out to close friends and family for statements of his character. Each one spoke to the dark times our client had experienced and the complete u-turn he had taken since his arrest. Our client and his family detailed how the arrest saved him and set him on the path to recovery and rehabilitation. This would prove to be vital in sentence.

Unfortunately, our client had to wait three years before he could be sentenced. The delay was no fault of his own, and this was presented in his favour at the sentencing hearing. Having arguably already served a prison sentence, we took the view that immediate imprisonment would be unjust and only serve to reverse the rehabilitation our client had already undergone.

The court agreed with our powerful mitigation and passed a suspended sentence. Four years after his arrest, our client had finally received closure. He left the court that day with his liberty, and knowing that he could continue with the new prosperous life he had built for himself.