Telford drug dealer who went on run given jail term

A 21-year-old Telford drug dealer who went on the run for six months has been jailed for three years and eight months.

Anton Wright, of Sandway in Ketley, admitted six drugs charges, including possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply, in October last year.

But he then failed to attend court in November and evaded arrest until May this year.

Yesterday at Shrewsbury Crown Court Wright was given three years and four months jail for the drugs offences and a further four months for evading capture by moving to Birmingham.

The court heard that Wright had got involved with drug dealing at 18 as he had run up a £700 gambling debt with a criminal.

Judge Robin Onions, sentencing, said: “Because of this debt you became involved in the drugs trade.

“Those who involve themselves in the trade of Class A drugs will be shown no mercy by the courts,”

Wright admitted supplying heroin and possessing cannabis with intent to supply. He admitted possessing with intent to supply 6.23 grammes of crack cocaine, 5.63 grammes of heroin, 53.57 grammes of cocaine and a further 1.73 grammes of heroin between April 7 2010 and March 18 2011.

Mr Timothy Harrington, for Wright, said: “He managed to get himself a £700 gambling debt with a significant criminal with connections in the drug world.

“When he couldn’t pay it interest start to accrue. When he couldn’t pay that threats were made towards him and his family.

“Mr Wright was given an either/or and told to start selling drugs. This is a young man who acted immaturely and foolishly.”

After the hearing, Sergeant Richard Davies said: “We are pleased with the sentence handed out by the court and it’s satisfying to know Anton

Wright will now be off the streets for some time. I hope this conviction demonstrates that the pursuit of those individuals who continue to be involved in the possession and supply of drugs remains a priority for police in Telford.”

He also made a plea for anyone with concerns over drug use or supply in their community to call police on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.