A DUDLEY cocaine dealer has been allowed to keep his freedom as a reward for being honest after his arrest.
Judge Martin Walsh described Rory Davies as a young man with great potential adding, “There are very few drug dealers who walk free from this court.”
He told 21-year-old Davies that class A drugs destroyed the lives of many people and they were a blight on the community.
And he stressed that people who sold drugs like cocaine normally received an immediate and substantial custodial sentence.
But he ruled after reading reports and a string of testimonials about Davies’ character he was just able to take an exceptional course and avoid putting him behind bars.
“I am just about persuaded to take a risk with you,” he told Davies.
“You were extremely frank with police. You are a young man of good character and I am prepared to give you a chance.”
Davies, of Highland Road, admitted possessing cocaine with intent to supply and criminal damage after putting his foot through a shed roof as he tried to get away from police.
He was given a two year jail term, suspended for two years and must obey a four month curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am.
Davies must also attend a drug rehabilitation programme.
Edward Soulsby, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court that patrolling police officers saw Davies about to carry out a drug deal.
They blocked his vehicle onto a car park but he then made off and he damaged the shed roof after being seen to throw away his mobile telephone.
Jas Mann, defending, said Davies, a cocaine addict, only sold drugs to likeminded users and he panicked when he saw the police officers.
He said he had been associating with a young girl who was a drug addict and he began to use cocaine as well.
Mr Mann said: “He is a thoroughly decent, hardworking young man and at one stage he was considered to be a promising footballer.
“He is thoroughly ashamed and shocked to the core by what he has done.
"He will never again involve himself in drug use in the future.”
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