No Jail Time: Suspended Sentence for Class A Supply

The defendant was charged with two counts of being concerned in the supplying of controlled drugs of Class A, specifically Crack Cocaine and Diamorphine (Heroin).

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These charges arose following a stop by Warwickshire Police, who had received intelligence regarding a suspicious vehicle repeatedly visiting a residential address. Upon intercepting the vehicle, officers discovered significant evidence of supply, including multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, "tick lists" of names and numbers, and wraps of suspected Crack Cocaine and Heroin. Analysis of the seized devices further revealed text messages corroborating involvement in the supply of Class A drugs.

The defendant was stopped by Warwickshire Police following intelligence reports regarding a suspicious vehicle repeatedly attending a specific residential address. Police officers intercepted the vehicle to investigate suspected drug supply activities.

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A search of the vehicle revealed significant incriminating evidence, including multiple mobile phones, SIM cards, "tick lists" containing names and numbers, and used wraps of suspected Class A drugs (Crack Cocaine and Heroin). A subsequent analysis of the devices revealed text messages indicative of drug supply operations.

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The evidence against the defendant was overwhelming. Under the Sentencing Guidelines, the starting point for being "concerned in the supply" of Class A drugs is almost invariably immediate custody, typically ranging from 3 to 4.5 years.

Facing irrefutable forensic and physical evidence, lead solicitor Fosia Jury advised a strategic early guilty plea to the two counts of concerning in supply. This secured the maximum possible credit for the defendant, a crucial first step in reducing the potential sentence.

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However, an early plea alone is rarely enough to avoid prison in Class A cases. The defence strategy shifted entirely to mitigation. Working with counsel from Libertas Chambers, the team constructed a robust detailed submission focusing on the client’s personal circumstances and lack of prior relevant history. The objective was to distinguish this case from a standard commercial drug operation and persuade the Court that justice could be served without immediate incarceration.

On 28 January 2025, the case concluded at Southampton Crown Court. Despite the severity of the charges and the clear evidence of street dealing, the Judge was persuaded by the mitigation package presented by the defence.

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The Court imposed a sentence of 24 months imprisonment—the absolute maximum length that can be suspended by law—and ordered it to be suspended for a period of 2 years. This was the optimal legal outcome: the client avoided the 3+ year immediate prison term that is standard for these offences and was able to return home to their family immediately. However we were able to remove any prison sentence from the fina;l outcome.