Desperate man in debt who dealt cannabis as a 'sideline' given a last chance by Teesside judge

Mark Francis McKenna made a full confession after his arrest, saying he'd been dealing for about two months and was very sorry

A debt-ridden working man who became a drug dealer on the side was caught with cannabis and a baseball bat in his car.

Mark Francis McKenna, 29, was stopped driving alone in a VW Bora on Bridge Street, Stockton on suspicion of a seatbelt offence.

When the officer leaned into the car he smelled cannabis and saw a small baseball bat at 2.50pm on May 4.

Police searched the vehicle and found a rucksack containing cannabis bush, said prosecutor Jenny Haigh yesterday.

She said dealer's lists and digital scales were also found. McKenna had £440 cash in his trouser pocket.

Officers seized a total of 128g cannabis, as well as a cannabis grinder and sandwich bags for dividing the drugs into smaller amounts.

McKenna made a full confession after his arrest, saying he'd been dealing for about two months and was very sorry.

He said the baseball bat was to deter anyone who might "tax" him and try to take his drugs or money.

He admitted possession of a Class B drug with intent to supply, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of criminal property.

He had no previous drugs offences, had been out of trouble for six years and had never been to prison before.

Duncan McReddie, defending, said: "He's a man in full-time employment. He was struggling with some debts.

"He foolishly decided to develop this as a small sideline to try to raise extra cash to deal with those debts."

He said McKenna's debts were now "the least of his problems" as he faced a bill of almost £6,000 in legal fees for the court case.

"He supports a family of three, his partner and two children," added Mr McReddie.

"He's a hard-working man. He made a particularly stupid decision to engage in this matter.

"He tried to support a family, got into difficulties and completely did the wrong thing in trying to alleviate the financial difficulties."

Judge Peter Armstrong told McKenna: "Those who get involved in drug trafficking or dealing in drugs can only expect a custodial sentence.

"This was an extremely foolish decision of yours.

"I take the view it was a matter which arose out of some desperation and was out of character.

"I'm going to give you a last chance to put this behind you."

McKenna, of Oaks Lane, Ilford, Essex, was given an eight-month prison sentence suspended for two years with 200 hours' unpaid work and a year's supervision.

http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/desperate-man-debt-who-dealt-7665186 24/08/2014