A ‘STREET dealer’ who claimed drugs were for medicinal use has avoided jail.

Jake Wright, 31, of Coronation Street, Wrexham appeared at Mold Crown Court on August 6 for the intent to supply cannabis and the concern to supply.

The court heard how on April 30 last year North Wales Police stopped a red Corsa in Rhos and smelt the ‘strong smell of cannabis’.

Prosecuting, Jemma Gordon, said there was a small black tub which when asked about he said it was ‘personal’, however upon searching officers found two small bags of cannabis.

Drugs were also found in a Tupperware box in a rucksack and in a Tesco bag.

Ms Gordon added that a mobile phone was seized and Wright’s home address was searched, where more cannabis was found with scales and clear bags, with a value of over £1,000.

Mobile phone analysis also showed text messages from 20 September, 2018 to May 1, 2019 which ‘indicated dealing’.

Upon interview, Wright ‘admitted’ all items belonged to him and said his dad had been diagnosed with cancer, so the cannabis was to help him.

He added he does not ‘benefit financially’ but rather helps others but no comment was given in a further interview after the mobile phone analysis.

Patrick Geddes, defence counsel, said Wright had not been ‘stood on the street’ dealing drugs to ‘random people’ but instead was dealing to people he knew and there was ‘no chain’.

He added that there was no evidence of a larger operation as Wright was ‘not a man living a lavish lifestyle from selling drugs’.

Mr Recorder Paul K Lewis QC said he was ‘satisfied’ that Wright was financially motivated and he did not accept claims the cannabis was for medicinal use.

He added: “You were effectively a street dealer.”

Wright was given a 12-months custodial sentence suspended for two years.