Cocaine dealer from Malvern jailed (From Malvern Gazette)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting MG NEWS to 80360 or e-mail us
Cocaine dealer from Malvern jailed
10:13am Wednesday 11th July 2007 in News
POLICE investigating drug dealing in the Malvern area were alerted when a BMW visited Peachfield Common and the driver disappeared into the undergrowth, Worcester Crown Court was told.
Checking the bushes afterwards, they found boxes containing wraps of cocaine with a street value of £8,450, said Michael Aspinall, prosecuting.
Painter and decorator Jonathan Quince was tracked down to his flat in Somers Road, Malvern, and other stashes of the drug were found in addition to £15,500 in cash.
Quince, aged 37, was jailed for five years after pleading guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply, supplying cocaine between November last year and April this year, and having a firearm, an air rifle, when prohibited because of a previous conviction.
Mr Aspinall said white powder was found in various parts of the flat together with a dealer's list, three mobile phones, scales, 12 Sim cards and an electronic taser gun.
A mobile phone bill for £5,340 in calls was found whereas a tax return for Quince's legitimate business showed earnings of only £10,579 in a year. Sums of money were found in several places including £11,000 in the boot of his BMW.
Quince first told police that he had bought cocaine for his personal use but he afterwards agreed that he had been selling to personal friends over a six-month period.
Jonas Hankin, defending, said Quince had an "immense" drug habit and had not passed on his supply to others merely for profit. Quince was a "bright and pleasant" young man and his conduct in custody had been exemplary.
In addition, his partner was an ex-addict who was now with the Turning Point project in Worcester which was helping drug offenders.
Judge Alistair McCreath said he realised Quince was making a real effort to overcome his addiction but he would be looking at a seven-year sentence if he re-offended. He did not feel there was anything sinister in the possession of the air rifle.
