Published date: 30 May 2016 |
Published by: Staff reporterRead more articles by Staff reporterEmail reporter
A MAN with mental health difficulties has been jailed for three years for drugs and counterfeit currency offences.
Damion Anthony Edwards, 26, of Maes Cibyn in Caergwrle, had passed a counterfeit £20 note when he bought a drink at a Wrexham pub.
When he was arrested and his house was searched police found eight more counterfeit notes and drugs.
He admitted tendering a counterfeit note, possessing the other eight, offering to supply Mcat and possessing LSD with intent to supply.
Mold Crown Court heard how he had a previous conviction in 2012 for possessing and supplying class B drugs and was given a suspended sentence at that stage.
“You were given a chance in 2012 but unfortunately you have gone back to your old ways,” Judge Rhys Rowlands told him.
He plainly had mental health issues and no doubt he would find a prison sentence hard to deal with.
No doubt that was taken into account in 2012, the juge said.
But the present offences were far too serious to be dealt with by anything other than an immediate custodial sentence.
Imposing the three-year sentence, he ordered that the psychiatric report before the court to accompany him to prison so that the authorities would be aware there was a potential risk.
Emmalyne Downing, prosecuting, said Edwards was at the Elihu Yale pub in Wrexham on October 29 last year, ordered a drink and handed a £20 to the barmaid.
She realised it did not feel right, checked it with a security light, confiscated it and called the police.
Edwards co-operated fully, gave his correct name and address and paid for his drink with a legitimate note.
He was arrested and searched and his home was also searched when LSD, Mcat, dried mushrooms and a further eight counterfeit £20 notes were found.
His mobile phone was analysed and texts indicative of drug dealing were found.
Interviewed, he made no comment but in a prepared statement said he did not sell illegal drugs but said he had been selling legal highs.
The £3,000 seized during the investigation was his savings, he said.
Phillip Tully, defending, said Edwards suffered from a delusional condition and possibly schizophrenia.
He admitted supplying to close friends who were already users.
Mr Tully said he was fully aware of the sentencing guidelines but his client suffered mental illness and was addicted to drugs.
He had shown genuine remorse and regret and his risk of re-offending was not high.
Edwards would benefit from the assistance the probation service could give him and a psychiatric report suggested a mental health treatment condition as part of a community order.
The psychiatrist had made it clear he was concerned how the defendant would cope in custody.
A pre-sentence report made it clear that if it had to be custody then he should be in the hospital wing rather than in the main prison wing.
He had tried to tackle his addiction and change his lifestyle.
“He is a very vulnerable individual,” said Mr Tully. “He would find it difficult to cope in prison and could be punished within the community.”
see-http://www.leaderlive.co.uk/news/162618/caergwrle-man-jailed-for-three-years-for-drugs-and-fake-cash-offences.aspx
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