R v Ah

This case involved serious allegations of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply. The defendant faced two charges relating to crack cocaine and diamorphine. After initially pleading not guilty, the defendant changed his pleas to guilty based on specific personal circumstances. He was subsequently sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to 68 months imprisonment for his role in the drug supply operation.

The case arose after police officers arrested the defendant in a local park. Officers suspected he was supplying drugs to two known users in the area. They seized a paper bag from the defendant which contained numerous snap seal bags with a distinctive green cannabis leaf print. Inside the bags were brown powder and white rocks. Officers also seized cash, two Nokia burner phones, and a damaged iPhone.

A forensic laboratory later analysed the substances. They were identified as crack cocaine, heroin, and a small quantity of cannabis. The defendant's drug supply activity was linked to a personal tragedy. Following the death of his half-brother, he began abusing Class A drugs and, being unemployed, ran up a significant debt to his supplier. After being threatened with harm, he chose to deal drugs to pay off this debt.

The defendant was indicted on two counts of possessing a Class A controlled drug with intent to supply:

• Count 1: Possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A (Crack Cocaine).
• Count 2: Possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class A (Diamorphine).

The defendant initially pleaded not guilty to both charges. He later changed his pleas to guilty on a specific basis, which was presented to the court. This basis explained the context of his offending, including his drug debt and the threats he had received.

Our criminal defence team represented the defendant at Shrewsbury Crown Court. We provided comprehensive legal advice regarding the strength of the prosecution evidence. Our team guided the defendant through the process of changing his pleas and formally preparing the basis of plea for the court.

This document detailed the tragic circumstances that led to his drug abuse and subsequent involvement in supply. We worked closely with experienced external counsel from Citadel Chambers and Equity Chambers to prepare detailed mitigation submissions. This ensured the court fully understood the defendant’s personal situation before passing sentence.