A MAN has been jailed for drug supply crimes committed on two separate dates almost a year apart.
James Alexander Aitken, 28, came to the attention of plain-clothed police as he sat in an Audi parked outside Appleby Grammar School at 7-20pm on October 3, 2018. Officers watched a 17-year-old male get in and out of the vehicle, and had suspicions they’d seen a drug deal, Carlisle Crown Court heard.
The 17-year-old was spoken to and found in possession of three bags of the class B drug MCAT, and small amount of cannabis. Aitken drove off but was stopped at the town’s Long Marton Road. During a search, 2.71g of MCAT was found in a chewing gum pot along with digital scales, while an illegally-held knuckle duster was located in the driver’s footwell. He was released under investigation.
But on September 7 this year, Aitken, of Pallet Hill, near Penrith, was stopped in a different vehicle while travelling westbound on the A66 near Brough. Around 125g of MCAT – potentially worth £2,500 – was found secreted in a roof light fitting. Two blades – a hunting knife and butterfly knife – were also seized.
Aitken admitted being concerned in the supply of MCAT on both dates, and cannabis on the first occasion when, he insisted, he wasn’t involved in a drug deal with the 17-year-old. Aitken also pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon last October, and two bladed articles in September when, he told police, he had been to Leeds to buy MCAT with three other people – including a 16-year-old girl.
He said he had been involved in supplying drugs but no longer did so.
Although it had been suggested by his lawyer that any prison sentence for the offending could be suspended, Aitken was given an immediate 22-month jail term by Judge Nicholas Barker.
