A drug dealer told police "I'm f***ed and I'm going to jail" when they raided his house.
Vincent Morgan was caught storing thousands of pounds of heroin and crack cocaine for an "intimidating individual with a violent reputation".
Liverpool Crown Court heard yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, that officers on patrol on Fountains Close in Walton shortly after 4pm on March 22 last year saw two men leaving a property smoking cannabis. Christopher Taylor, prosecuting, described how a search of the address – where Morgan lived with his grandad – then revealed £3,800 worth of heroin and cocaine valued at £2,800.
READ MORE: Woman scammed her own grandad out of £75k
The 21-year-old arrived at home during the raid and began "frantically knocking on the door trying to get in". He attempted to ride off on his bicycle when he spotted the police, but was arrested.
Morgan told them at this point he was "f***ed and was going to jail", and that he was "going to owe people a lot of money" from the drugs seized – with the packages later found to contain his DNA and fingerprints. A total of £1,899.84 in cash was also recovered from the address as were mobile phones, an Apple watch and sim cards.
The defendant has four previous convictions for four offences, including receiving a two-year community order for possession of a class B drug with intent to supply in January 2020. This was later revoked and replaced with a nine-month imprisonment suspended for 18 months in August 2021.
Julian Nutter, defending, told the court: "All of this happened nearly a year ago. He has turned his life around in that time.
"He was addicted to ketamine and cocaine. Due to a combination of his drug use and having drugs confiscated from his possession, he owed a third party about £2,500.
"The third party offered an opportunity to store drugs for him at his address. There were no direct threats, but this was an intimidating individual, as it's probable most are – that's how you succeed in the drugs business.
"He had a violent reputation and the defendant felt sufficiently intimidated. He fell from grace in committing these offences.
"In doing so he of course forgot about the potential impact upon his grandfather, who he cares for and supports. He also forgot about his relationship with his partner, and there is now a child on the way.
"He has been drug free now four about 10 months of his life. He has managed to get on top of that addiction."
Morgan – who had his leg in a brace and walked with the aid of a crutch after falling off his bike – admitted possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply and possession and possession of cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine. He was jailed for 28 months.
Sentencing, Recorder Imran Shafi KC said: "There may be some truth in that the drugs were not yours but someone else's. It is pretty clear that you are no stranger to the street supply of drugs.
"You know the misery such drugs reap upon users and wider society. Those caught dealing such drugs can expect to go to prison."
Morgan turned to a supporter in the public gallery as he was led down to the cells and said "love you lad". Forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and paraphernalia was also ordered.
READ NEXT: Dealer caught outside Iceland selling heroin and cocaine
Victims with learning difficulties chased by bailiffs after carer stole £10,000
Stranger stuck his hand down woman's top in Mathew Street bar
Pervert secretly filmed schoolgirl as she showered and changed in her bedroom
Arsonist told woman 'I like setting fires' as he burned bags