'Bullied' drug user who sent texts to 'bossman' about deals avoids prison after being caught on M54
A drug user who was caught up in County Lines dealing to pay for his habit has avoided prison - despite being caught with a knife for a second time.
Miles Patterson, aged 21, was found to be in possession of nine wraps of heroin, one of cocaine and a large blade when police pulled over a car in which he was the passenger on the M54.
Also discovered were a series of texts on his "burner" phone consistent with drug dealing. He sent messages to his "bossman" in a drugs operation for which police used the codename the "Stretch line".
Shrewsbury Crown Court was told how officers on patrol observed a Skoda Fabia in "a poor state of repair" near Junction 3 for Shifnal on July 2, 2021.
Police pulled the vehicle over on the hard shoulder and searched Patterson, a back seat passenger. He was found to be in possession of the illegal items, as well as £35 in cash. He was arrested and interviewed by police.
