A YOUNG cannabis dealer was caught when he fell out with his family and the police were called.
Jake Russell was using his mother’s Darlington home as a base for his ‘low-level’ street dealing activities.
Martin Towers, prosecuting, said officers were shown where the 22-year-old stashed his drugs under the kitchen sink and recovered seven bags of cannabis and some digital scales.
An examination of Russell’s mobile phone contained messages associated with drug dealing and the value of the drug seized was £105, the court heard.
Mr Towers said Russell was selling the drug to a small group of friends and friends of friends.
The court heard how the defendant had a previous conviction for possession of cannabis.
Russell of Borough Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty to a charge of possession with intent to supply cannabis following his arrest in February this year.
Vicki Lamballe, in mitigation, said her client had a ‘moderate level’ of drugs and was a ‘low-level dealer’.
Recorder Nicholas Lumley QC sentenced Russell to six months in custody, suspended for 18 months.
He said: “When the police came to your house they found that you were actively dealing in drugs and that is extremely serious, and ultimately dangerous behaviour.”
Russell was also ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community and 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
“You must stop taking and selling drugs,” he said.
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