Shropshire Star

Crash reveals cash, cocaine and cannabis in Telford dealer's car

A drug dealer's activities were discovered by police after he crashed his car when it had cash, cannabis and cocaine inside.

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Franklin Lester was found by police in possession of a large JD Sports bag containing four large bags of cannabis, more than £450 of cash and a purse with cocaine inside moments after the crash, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.

Lester was arrested after the crash on July 28 last year. Police also found text messages on a phone inquiring about buying drugs.

Lester, 20, admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply at court. He was handed a community order that will include carrying out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Miss Samantha Powis, prosecuting, said on arrival officers noted there was a strong smell of cannabis of coming from the car, which was registered in Lester's name.

She told the court Lester was approached by officers who found inside the bag he was carrying were four large bags of cannabis worth £800 in total, £464 of cash, a purse containing up to £300 worth of cocaine – which he said was for personal use only – and a Samsung phone.

The phone was examined and messages were found from customers inquiring about the availability of drugs.

The location of the crash was not disclosed in court.

The court heard how Lester, of Freeston Avenue in Snedshill, Telford, was a man of previous good character, with no prior convictions.

Mr Danny Smith, for Lester, said he had been a young man who had tried to find himself work but ended up leaving a job and leaving his mum's home address, and spending more time with peers on the streets.

"He very quickly got himself into a world that he could not control," said Mr Smith. "None of those so called friends are here in court today to support him."

Judge Robin Onions noted Lester's mother was there – as he said it was usually the case that the family were left to pick up the pieces.

Mr Smith said he did not feel immediate custody would help Lester but instead unpaid work would as it would give him a chance to show the court and his mother than he can "lead a lawful lifestyle" and "leave the world he got involved in".

Sentencing him, Judge Onions said: "You are a 20-year-old man of previous good character, which helps you but not after today.

"You must understand the possession and consumption of drugs particularly Class A is not consistent with a fruitful and happy life."

Lester was sentenced to eight months in youth offenders detention suspended for two years for possession of cannabis with intent to supply, and two months in youth offenders detention suspended for two years for cocaine possession.

He was also ordered to carry out 150 unpaid hours over the next 12 months, as well as made subject to a three month curfew between the hours of 7pm and 7am.

A forfeiture and destruction order was placed on the drugs, and forfeiture of the cash.

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