Jail for Chirk 24-year-old caught with cash and drugs

Thomas Corbett, aged 24 and of Princess Avenue, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday for sentencing.

He had previously admitted one offence of possessing class B drugs with intent to supply.

James Coutts, prosecuting, told the court that in January last year North Wales Police officers were asked to keep an eye out for Corbett in Chirk after he was suspected of being involved in drug dealing.

When he was stopped, officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis and when he was handcuffed he said words to the effect of: "I have stuff on me, it's all in my bag," Mr Coutts said.

His phone, which was seen "constantly ringing," was taken away and his property was searched.

A total of 37 packages containing cannabis were discovered, along with £520 in cash.

Following his arrest Corbett told the police: "That's it now, I've been caught. I'm going to prison."

Analysis of the phone showed he had been involved in dealing cannabis, with evidence including "flare messages" to prospective buyers and a tick list he'd sent himself with the amounts of money people owed him.

Mr Coutts told the court the 24-year-old's case was aggravated by similar previous offending.

Henry Hills, defending, said: "Mr Corbett's offending is linked to his personal and social circumstances.

"He is someone who suffers with learning difficulties and ADHD, and who seems to gain some esteem of status from dealing drugs.

"His perspectives indicate a degree of immaturity."

Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "Only five months before you committed this offence you were given a chance by the court, having been convicted of supplying drugs.

"It was right you were given that chance but the significant amount of drugs and cash in your possession when you were arrested in a public place simply underline that you had no intention of changing your ways."

Judge Parry jailed Corbett for 10 months, and ordered the forfeiture of the money, as well as the destruction of the drugs seized.