Mansfield teenage drug dealer turned life around after mum’s warning

Lewis Jones was stopped during a police crackdown on crime in the Layton Burroughs area of Mansfield, on September 4, 2019, said prosecutor Almas Ben-Aribia.

"He was sweating and out of breath and they smelled cannabis on him," she said.

When he was searched, officers found £165 in cash, and five wraps of heroin and eight wraps of cocaine, worth £130.

On his mobile phone, incoming messages showed he was being directed to deal at a street level and he was in touch with them to get restocked, or "reloaded."

The phone also contained a “dealer’s list,” showing drug debts of £30 – £120.

He gave a “candid interview,” and told police “he sells everywhere,” and acting as a “sole trader.”

The court heard he has ten previous convictions, for 24 offences, but this was his first for drug dealing.

Steve Gosnell, mitigating, said: "He was 18 at the time and still very young. He was addicted to cannabis and cocaine.

"His mother kicked him out. He is still a young man who cares what his mum does and thinks. She told him he would not be part of her life if he continued.

"Many 18-year-olds would scoff, shrug their shoulders and walk away – but he didn't. He listened. His relationship with mother has blossomed. He is no longer addicted to drugs.”

Mr Gosnell said Jones has since found a full-time job as a roofer and is expecting a child with his girlfriend.

Jones, now aged 20, of Sherwood Street, Warsop, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply heroin and two of cocaine, and possession of criminal property, when he appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court, on February 19.

On Friday, Recorder Penelope Stanistreet-Keen told him he faced four-and-a-half years in prison and was “at a crossroads”.

She deferred sentencing until September 6, to get more information about him from the probation service, and told him to continue working hard.

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