A drug dealer caught with a £4,000 cannabis stash for friends and family avoids jail time after a court ruling in Wolverhampton.
Cradley Heath: A drug dealer named Owen Barnett had a stash of cannabis worth £4,000. He claimed it was for his friends and family. Police found the drugs at his home on Butchers Lane.
Barnett, 40, was already in custody for another issue when police searched his place last March. They discovered drug paraphernalia like deal bags, scales, and a rolling pin.
In total, officers seized 773 grams of cannabis. It was packaged for sale and valued at £3,940. The prosecutor explained it was for social supply, meaning he bought it in bulk.
During his police interview, Barnett insisted he only planned to sell the drugs to people he knew. The court noted he had a past conviction for cannabis possession in 2016.
Judge John Edwards warned Barnett that he was close to losing his freedom. He advised him not to get involved with drugs again, saying he was a decent person.
Barnett pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cannabis. He received a 15-month sentence, which was suspended for two years. He also has to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and attend 25 days of rehabilitation.
On January 27, Barnett was ordered to pay £150 in costs. His lawyer did not speak after the court decided he would not go to jail.
