Two young Luton cannabis dealers were caught after an alert member of the public took down the number plate of the car they were in.
Torain Robinson and Tr’e Brown, now both 21, were spotted acting suspiciously in Quantock Close in the town on 1 August 1, 2020.
The police were called, and stopped the Astra in the neighbourhood. Robinson was driving and Brown was in the front passenger seat, said David Stanton prosecuting at Luton Crown Court.
Mr Stanton went on: “There was a strong smell of cannabis. Brown said he had smoked the drug. A black bin bag was in the footwell of the front passenger seat containing bags ready for sale.”
Hidden knife!
At Luton Police Station, the pair were searched and Brown was found to have concealed a lock knife between his buttocks.
Brown’s home in Copenhagen Close was also searched and cannabis worth between £2345 and £3540, along with scales and packaging, was found.
The drugs found in the car were valued at between £325 and £435. At Robinson’s home in Kirby Drive, Luton, a cannabis grinder was discovered.
Both appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Brown had also pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article.
David Dainty, for Brown, said he was a young man with no previous convictions who had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He said he was determined to make something of himself and was working in a warehouse and preparing to go on a barbering course.
“He deeply regrets what he had done and has used the time since to reflect, and has taken time to turn his life around,” said Mr Dainty.
For Robinson, Michael Polak said he was of previous good character.
He said he is now working as a ground handler at Luton Airport and will not come back before the courts again.
Recorder David Craig QC told them: “You were both motivated by financial advantage.” He warned them that if they came back before the court for drug dealing again they would face immediate jail.
He gave Brown a four month jail sentence suspended for 12 months.
He must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work, attend 12 mental health treatment sessions and 20 rehabilitation days.
Robinson was sentenced to 19 weeks jail suspended for 12 months. He must carry out 80 hours’ unpaid work and 15 rehabilitation days.
