The sentencing of a Penrith man for serious cocaine dealing crimes has been postponed — but a judge told him immediate prison is still the most likely outcome.
Kyle Chaloner, 43, was due to have been punished for three crimes at Carlisle Crown Court today.
Chaloner admits twice possessing class A controlled drug cocaine with intent to supply. His offences occurred almost a year apart, on March 14 2020, and March 1 this year.
He further admits possessing an offensive weapon in public — a baseball bat at Pategill Road in Penrith — on September 152021.
During today’s crown court hearing, brief details of the drugs supply crimes emerged.
“He was stopped by police on 14th March, 2020,” noted Judge Richard Archer.
“That’s when, essentially, he was observed by police to be involved in a hand-to-hand exchange.” It was a “straightforward drug-dealing operation”.
Chaloner was searched by police, who seized drugs and money. A significant quantity of cash was located at his home address.
Events in 2020, confirmed his barrister Mark Shepherd, led to the pressure which resulted in a second cocaine crime being committed.
However, Judge Archer heard new offences committed by Chaloner — racially aggravated public order and damaging a vehicle in Penrith on June 4 — had been sent to the crown court by magistrates only days earlier.
Because of the lack of time in between, it was not possible for Chaloner to be sentenced for all matters at once, prompting Judge Archer to adjourn the case.
In addition, Chaloner was said to be suffering from a serious medical condition and awaiting the outcome of a doctor’s assessment of the most appropriate treatment.
For the cocaine dealing, he faces a sentence with a starting point of four-and-a-half years, and a range of three-and-a-half to seven years.
But Mr Shepherd said he would be seeking to persuade the judge it would be in the interest of justice to depart from those guidelines. Further detailed medical information will also be put before the court.
Chaloner, of Rowan Court, Penrith, was granted conditional bail, and is due to be sentenced on February 4.
“You should not expect that because you were bailed, you won’t be receiving a custodial sentence,” said the judge.
“That remains to be far more the likely outcome because of the seriousness of your offending. But if there is a possibility of an alternative because of these exceptional (medical) circumstances then that will be explored.”
