Former Walsall man jailed for drugs offences after going on the run
A fugitive from Walsall set up shop as a drug dealer in Exeter during four years in which he was on the run from police in the Midlands, a court has heard.
Jamie Palmer was wanted on an arrest warrant after failing to turn up for court in Cannock – accused of possessing cocaine and remained at large until being arrested early this year.
He was said to have been found with more than £6,000 worth of heroin and crack which was being bagged up and made ready for sale on the streets.
He allegedly told police: “It’s all mine, take me to prison” – but then went on the run again after his next court appearance.
Palmer, aged 24, originally from Walsall, but now of Monitor Close, Exeter, admitted possession of class A drugs and absconding and was jailed for two years, two months and three weeks by Judge David Evans at Exeter Crown Court.
He told him: “When you were arrested, there was evidence of the preparation for drugs for supply including scales and heroin and crack cocaine.
“On a piece of paper, you had the names and numbers of local users. You had £200 cash and there were mobile phones with messages which were clearly from customers, asking whether the shop was open.”
Felicity Payne, prosecuting, said the first drugs offence dated from August 27, 2017, when Palmer was a passenger in a car which crashed in Jacobs Hall Lane, Great Wyrley, near Cannock.
He had two zip lock bags containing £40 worth of cocaine and he was charged with personal possession but failed to appear at Cannock magistrates court in November 2017 and a warrant was issued.
He remained at large until he was arrested in Monitor Close, Exeter on January 14 this year and found with 35 grams of heroin and 28 grams of crack with a combined street value of £6,300.
Hollie Gilbery, defending, said Palmer has mental health issues and went on the run at a time when he was homeless and living an unstable life.
She said he had been recruited into drug dealing because he ran up debts from his own habit. He was not operating alone and people were above him in the chain.
