A Keswick market worker was exposed as a drugs dealer after police found him with cannabis wraps, and unearthed damning messages on his mobile phone.
Benjamin Davies Bland, 39, was caught out in Carlisle on February 13 this year.
“Police officers were arresting him in respect of other, unrelated matters,” said Kim Whittlestone, prosecuting. “He was searched and found to be in possession of 10 wraps of cannabis.”
Bland, of Helvellyn Street, Keswick was arrested and a mobile phone was seized. “When that phone was analysed, it disclosed numerous messages that clearly indicated the defendant was involved in the supply of cannabis,” said Miss Whittlestone.
There had also been web searches for various types of plastic packaging. Cannabis recovered from Bland was valued by a police drugs expert at £100.
He was described as being “well known” to the courts with 35 offences to his name. These included some for serious violence which had resulted in lengthy jail sentences, but there was nothing for drug-related matters.
Bland admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply and was in breach of a previously imposed community ordered when he committed the crime.
“He worked for many years on a market stall in Keswick,” said his barrister, Anthony Parkinson. “This effectively shut down because of COVID.” Latterly he worked only two days a week, had “little money and difficulties with his accommodation”.
Judge Nicholas Barker heard Bland had been taking steps to mend his ways. As a result, a 12-month jail term was suspended for 18 months and Bland must also complete a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
“It sounds like you are starting to work out what you need to do to remain offence-free,” said Judge Barker. “I hope that you take the opportunity that the court is giving you today. But you understand the consequences if you don’t.”
