Customers visiting "at all hours" led to drug dealer's demise

Joe Oliver Bruce, 20, was found to have 53 grams of cannabis, scales, plastic bags and over £600 in cash when officers raided the property on Talbot Court.

A mobile phone was also found which received a message during the bust that read "can you sort me an eighth?" - a drug term for someone wanting an eighth of an ounce of cannabis.

Admitting a charge of intent to supply a Class B drug, he appeared at Leeds Crown Court today alongside 27-year-old Stevie Nichola Howard, who admitted a charge of permitting the supply of cannabis from the premises, which was a social housing property in her name.

Outlining the case for the prosecution, Jonathan Sharp said: "Residents observed people coming and going at all hours, particularly at night. It was caught on CCTV on numerous occasions."

He said that Bruce gave no comment during the interview with police, while Howard denied any knowledge of the drugs.

Mitigating for both, James Littlehales said Bruce had a long-standing cannabis habit but in the 15 months since the bust, he had been addressing the problem and was involved with Turning Point charity to help him cope.

He said Bruce had also got a job as a landscaper which he was due to begin this week.

Mr Littlehales said Howard was a single mother who had struggled with financial difficulties.

Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said Bruce had been fortunate to face a charge pertaining to drug dealing over a period of one day only - when the bust took place on February 28, 2019 - when he should have been charged with dealing over a prolonged period.

Bruce, of Heseltine Close, Normanton was jailed for eight months, suspended for 18 months.

Howard, of the same address, was jailed for nine months, also suspended for 18 months.