A COURT has heard a Penrith drug supplier peddled vast quantities of illicit MCAT and was also a “busy street dealer” of cocaine.
When he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (WED), Paul Robert Nicholson admitted being concerned in the supply of both illicit substances during a two-year period between March, 2018, and March this year.
Nicholson, 29, had previously also admitted possessing class B MCAT with intent to supply; the attempted robbery of a man at Culgaith; possessing criminal property; and a string of motoring offences including vehicle taking without consent and disqualified driving.
Nicholson has heard he faces a lengthy prison term for what Judge Nicholas Barker noted was an “extensive drug-dealing operation” which involved “large amounts of MCAT and some (class A) cocaine”.
On one occasion, when stopped by police, Nicholson was said to have had MCAT worth around £12,000 on him. Prosecutor Jeremy Grout-Smith said he’d been a “busy street dealer” of cocaine.
“He said the most cocaine he had bought at one time was 1kg which he had both sold and taken himself,” said Mr Grout-Smith. “The Crown are prepared to accept there was an element of bragging going on there.”
Also linked to the illegal enterprise is 37-year-old Lynsey Anne Horne, of Hall Grange, Bolton, Appleby. She appeared at the same hearing, admitted being concerned in the supply of MCAT but disputes the prosecution’s allegations that she both allowed her home to be used for dealing, and had peddled the drug herself.
Horne also admitted two money laundering charges which reflect criminal cash of around £41,000 being banked in her name.
The case was adjourned by Judge Barker, who asked for the formal admissions of both defendants to be committed to writing before sentence is passed.
Nicholson, previously of Penrith but now of no fixed address, was remanded in custody until July 30.
Horne was bailed by the judge, who asked for a probation service pre-sentence report to prepared but observed that “custody will be in the forefront of the court’s mind” for her.
