Dealer’s drugs seized

Chesterfield magistrates’ court heard this week how David Walker, 19, of Oker Drive, Darley Dale, Matlock, had been in Matlock when he was stopped and searched and found to be in possession of four bags of the class C drug valued at £20 per bag.

Prosecuting solicitor Becky Allsop said during a previous hearing: “He was searched in the street by police following information which had been received about Walker.

“He was taken into custody and he said the drugs belonged to him and he did not intend to supply. But when police analysed his phone there were messages which stated, ‘When am I getting my ten?’, and ‘Can you sort me a tenner’s worth?’, and ‘Just got two gs for a tenner, ha-ha’.”

Mrs Allsop explained that during a second police interview Walker said he shared the drugs with friends.

Walker, who has no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possessing 2.96 grammes of Ketamine with intent to supply after the search in October.

Defence solicitor Jon Barber said: “Alarm bells ring with cases involving possession of drugs with intent to supply but this incident involves a class C drug with a lesser role.

“It’s the least serious of this type of offence.

“He bought Ketamin and he was stopped in the street and he had white powder round his nose and had a small amount on him.

“The drugs were his own which is accepted but if one of his friends asked for some he would have shared it and that’s why he has pleaded guilty.”

Magistrates sentenced Walker on Monday to a 12 month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.