Byline: GARETH LIGHTFOOT
TEESSIDE'S top judge laughed at a drug dealer's excuses in court before locking him up.Mark James Campbell claimed the drug deal where he was caught was a "one-off" and tried to explain away incriminating texts on his phone.
His barrister Jim Withyman said the 33-year-old was selling trainers and clothes.
Judge Peter Fox QC referred to the text messages: "'Bring some round.' Some what? 'Just 10.' What could that mean?" Thinking on his feet, Mr Withyman replied: "It could be the size of his shoes."
This prompted laughter in Teesside Crown Court from the judge, the Recorder of Middlesbrough. He said before sentencing: "I am not persuaded that '10' refers to the size of your feet or anyone else's."
Hermes Replica WatchesStreet dealers Campbell and Jamie Gascoigne, 19, were stopped in a Peugeot 307 on Hucklehoven Way, Hartlepool, on January 29, said prosecutor Rosalind Scott Bell.
Driver Campbell was caught clutching pounds 20 notes in both hands. He had pounds 287 in total.
Technomarine Watch ReplicaPolice smelled cannabis and found a joint as Gascoigne said: "It's just a daft spliff. I had the joint and nowt else."
A third man had fled the car and discarded 3.42g of amphetamine. He was cautioned for possession of five pounds 5 drugs wraps he said he bought from Campbell.
DISBELIEF: Judge Peter Fox QC, above Three more packets of "whizz" - almost an ounce, worth pounds 70 - were found in Gascoigne's underwear at the police station. He had digital scales at his home and pounds 97 cash on him.
He said he was a user and bought the drugs for pounds 60. Campbell said the money he had was for his car's MoT.
Hartlepool men Campbell, of Raby Road, and Gascoigne, of Stephen Street, admitted supplying a Class B drug. Gascoigne admitted possession with intent
embroidered patches to supply.
Judge Fox said they were low-level street dealers. "You were caught red-handed."
He told Gascoigne, who had no previous drugs convictions but had served time: "I think you were in charge of this little operation."
Gascoigne was jailed for two years. Campbell was locked up for nine months.
David Lamb, defending Gascoigne, said he ran up a drug debt which had now been paid after a scratch-card lottery win, he complied with court orders and was to start work.
Mr Withyman said Campbell had a chronic drink problem after a difficult upbringing with alcoholic parents. He added Campbell acted as a "go-between" to help out a friend, now greatly regretted it and would not do it again.
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