[A] DAD who committed a cannabis supply crime in a bid to fund his children Christmas presents has been spared immediate prison.
Zane Tinkler’s offending came to light after police spotted him behaving suspiciously in Penrith last November. Carlisle Crown Court heard that after 25-year-old Tinkler dropped a bag of cannabis, officers searched two town homes.
In total, cannabis potentially worth £5,000 was recovered, along with paraphernalia including weighing scales and debtors’ lists.
Tinkler, of Raiselands Croft, Penrith, pleaded guilty to possessing the drug with intent to supply, and was sentenced today (WED). His lawyer, David Farley, confirmed he committed the crime “to buy his children some presents for Christmas”.
A 12-month prison term was suspended for two years by Judge Peter Hughes QC, who also imposed unpaid work, rehabilitation and a night-time curfew.
Judge Hughes also sentenced three others for related cannabis crimes.
Mathew Graham, 23, of Lark Lane, Penrith, was convicted after trial of being concerned in the supply of cannabis, and received 120 hours’ unpaid work. Stacy Felton, 33, of Grove Court, Penrith, was handed 100 hours’ unpaid work having admitted supplying the drug on one occasion.
David Harold, 38, of Reeth Road, Carlisle, was fined £165 for cannabis possession.
