Debts 'drove' Wolverhampton drug dealer to reoffend

Nathan Campbell from Wolverhampton had gone back to his old ways because he was under pressure to clear old drugs debts, a court heard.

The 24-year-old of Marsh Lane, Fordhouses, admitted possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply, possession of criminal property and possession of a knife when he appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

The court heard he had gone to university since his first release from prison and had been described as 'good, caring and insightful' by witnesses who appeared in his defence.

But on November 8 this year Campbell was stopped by police in Bridgnorth Road, Compton, who arrested him on suspicion of possessing drugs.

A search of his car found a JD Sports bag which had a shoe box inside containing a 'golf ball of brown powder', that turned out to be heroin, and a bag of cocaine estimated to be worth £2,400. He also had around £1,500 in cash, electronic scales, and a 15cm (6in) hunting knife.

Searches of two properties found cash totalling £51,814.12, and within some of the rolls of cash just under a gram of cocaine and heroin was found.

Campbell was sent to prison on a 30 month sentence in September 2012 for possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.

Jasvir Mann, defending, told the court Campbell had 'spent his time sensibly in custody', re-engaging with university on his release.

His problems started when he returned to live at his grandmother's house and was contacted by those he had previously been 'running drugs for'.

Mr Mann said: "Their attitude was, because he was back in the Wolverhampton area he owed them for the money and stock taken and he had to make good."

He resisted their pressure but they kept contacting him and turning up in front of the house, the barrister said.

When Campbell was 14 his father had been murdered, which had 'a profound effect on him'.

During sentencing Judge Michael Challinor said Campbell was 'no stranger to this lifestyle' due to his previous conviction.

He said: "You don't need me to tell you that trafficking class A drugs in our society is terribly damaging.

"You are an intelligent and resourceful young man. Your university results show you could do well in life if you put your mind to it. I couldn't help but be impressed by the number of people who came to court to support you and what they said about you."

Judge Challinor sentenced Campbell to four years each for both charges of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, to run concurrently, 12 months for possession of criminal property to run consecutively, and three months for possession of a bladed article, to run concurrently.

Dc Nick Taylor, from Wolverhampton police, said: "We are satisfied with the sentence handed to Campbell, which came as a result of a policing operation aimed at tackling drug-related criminality.

"We hope it sends a clear message to other dealers that we will not tolerate drug dealing in our towns and cities and if we suspect you of being involved, then we will come after you."