Doncaster teen "ordered" to sell cocaine to pay off debts

Kai Priestley was 17 when police found him in possession of 3.5 grams of cocaine, worth £112, and 17.2 grams of cannabis, valued at £170, in Conisbrough, on September 18, 2018, prosecutor James Baird said on Friday.

Although the drugs were split into dealer bags, and messages were found on his mobile phone, he claimed the cannabis was for his own use and denied any knowledge of the cocaine.

He was also the front seat passenger in a van that police searched in Tickhill Square, Denaby Main, Doncaster, on August 6, 2019.

Officers discovered a sweet jar containing 11 plastic bags containing cannabis and a dealer list.

Andrew Swabey, mitigating, said Priestley had accrued "large debts."

"Threats were made that turned into violence and he was ordered to sell the drugs," he said.

"He was socially with the wrong people and is said to be someone who is easily led."

But he added that Priestley, now aged 19, had managed to turn his life around with the support of his family, and was now working 12-hour shifts with an agency.

Priestley, of Cliff View, Denaby Main, Doncaster, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and two counts of intent to supply cannabis.

Judge Sarah Wright told him: “To some extent you were exploited – but you need to grow up and take responsibility for yourself.”

She sentenced him to 12 months in prison, suspended for one year, and ordered him to attend 15 rehabilitation days with 150 hours of unpaid work.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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