A SOUTH Cumbria cannabis user who began dealing the drug for profit as his life “spiralled out of control” has been spared immediate prison.
Kevin Paul Moore, 56, was caught out as police executed a search warrant at his Craig Walk home in Bowness on Windermere on February 21.
More than 111g of cannabis was found in three separate locations – two larger quantities in a microwave and a box in a wardrobe, and a small cellophane wrap in a bedroom. This was all potentially worth up to £2,190 on the street.
When quizzed by officers, Moore made full and frank admissions, confessing he’d bought the class B controlled drug in bulk before dividing some up and selling it to friends to fund his habit and top up his benefits.
Although he had a previous heroin supply crime on his record dating back almost two decades, Moore had been out of trouble since 2010 and worked as a chef. But after going blind in his left eye having suffered from iritis – inflammation of the iris – he lost his job and began using cannabis.
“His life spiralled out of control at that point,” revealed Matthew Howarth, defending. “He bought bulk cannabis and tried to make some financial gain on the side.” Mr Howarth added: “He has displayed genuine contrition and remorse.”
Moore was sentenced today (MON) having admitted possessing the class B drug with intent to supply.
After learning of his medical background and work he‘d done to rehabilitate himself in the past, Recorder Nicholas Clarke QC suspended a seven-month jail term for 18 months. He also ordered Moore to complete a rehabilitation requirement and a four-month night-time curfew, but reminded him even simple future drug possession could land him in prison, saying: “If you want to go to jail, get yourself some cannabis – your choice.”
