Drug Dealer Spared Jail, Told to Seek Honest Work After Close Call
A young drug dealer narrowly avoids jail time and is urged to find legitimate employment by the judge
Leicester, UK, Michael Joseph, Class A Drugs, Drug Dealing, Judge Rebecca Herbert
Leicester: So, there’s this young guy, Michael Joseph, who was dealing drugs and almost ended up in jail. He was making about £100 a day, which sounds tempting, right? But during a police raid, they found a stash worth around £8,500, along with all the tools of the trade.
He got caught back in January 2023 at a flat near De Montfort University. The police found crack, heroin, scales, and even a phone loaded with evidence of his dealings. Not a good look! He ended up pleading guilty to multiple charges related to drug possession and supply.
When he showed up for sentencing, his lawyer pointed out that he had done some good things too, like volunteering at a youth project and a food bank. It’s like he was trying to show he wasn’t all bad.
The judge, Rebecca Herbert, had some strong words for him. She said he came from a good family but got mixed up in the wrong crowd. She explained how drug dealing is a huge problem and how it wrecks lives. She really laid it out for him, saying that it might seem like easy money, but it leads to serious consequences.
She urged him to find honest work instead. It’s tough, but it’s the right path. In the end, he got an 18-month sentence, but it was suspended. He also has to do 250 hours of community service and spend some time on probation.
As he left the court, he thanked the judge. Hopefully, this experience will steer him in a better direction!