Drug dealer caught at Cockhedge Shopping Centre had cannabis worth £2K

Harvey Martin, of Horsemarket Street in the town centre, appeared before Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Prosecuting, Nigel Beeson told the court that on August 17, 2022, Cheshire Police spotted a then 18-year-old Martin near Cockhedge Shopping Centre.

The court heard that Martin had a rucksack and police officers began to approach him.

However, by the time they caught up to him, Martin’s bag had ‘disappeared’.

This bag was later located, and inside officers found cannabis, £330 in cash and a mobile phone.

Martin was sentenced at Warrington Magistrates' Court

Martin’s home was later searched, and 11oz of cannabis, worth an estimated £1,765 to £2,755, was located.

Defending, Colin Rawson told the court that Martin’s ID was also found within the discarded bag, and that there was ‘no explanation’ as to why it has ‘taken so long’ for the 20-year-old to be charged.

Mr Rawson also stated that Martin’s level of maturity has increased since the offence, and that he has only been before the court for one other drug-related charge since his initial arrest.

The 20-year-old was sentenced to 26 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 24 months, during which time he must complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Martin must also complete a 12-month mental health treatment order and pay £239 in court costs.

The cannabis, phone and cash were all ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.