Doncaster drug dealer found by police hiding in loft

A South Yorkshire addict was found by police hiding in his loft when they uncovered his crack cocaine and heroin dealing operation, a court heard.
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David Ridley was "under the influence of drink or drugs" and surrounded with drug paraphernalia, when officers carried out a search warrant at his home on Queens Road, Carcroft, Doncaster, on November 16, 2017, said prosecutor Louise Gallagher.

Officers seized 4.35 grams of crack cocaine, which was 95 per cent to 97 per cent pure, and worth £500, 8.17 grams of heroin, which was six per cent pure and mixed with caffeine and paracetamol, worth £530, along with £110 of similarly cut amphetamine and £280 of skunk cannabis.

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In addition, £300 in cash was found, 103 grams of a cutting agent to "bash" the drugs, and notebooks containing dealer lists and logs of money owed.

David Ridley.David Ridley.
David Ridley.

Electronic scales and two mobile phones were also recovered, and the phones contained messages like: "Dave my old fruit can you do me a £10?"

Edward Moss, mitigating, said the delay in the case coming to court was "significant" but conceded the defendant failed to attend in December last year.

"Between appearing at magistrates' court and this court his grandmother died and it had a great impact on him."

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He said Ridley, a dad-of-four, is now positively addressing his drug addiction with the heroin substitute Subutex.

"He simply wants to get back to his family," Mr Moss said. "At the time his drug addiction had spiralled out of control. He readily accepts his guilt and he's truly sorry."

Ridley, 41, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs, after initially denying the charges, and failing to surrender.

Recorder Richard Wright QC said: "As an addict yourself you knew full-well the terrible effects of drugs on those who become addicted to them."

"The public should be appalled at the delay in this case.

“I will take the delay into account."

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He sentenced Ridley to three years in prison at Sheffield Crown Court, on Wednesday.

An application under the Proceeds of Crime Act will be heard at a later date.

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