"You have all been pretty lucky": Judge persuaded against jailing Pontefract drug dealers

Jamie Dougan, Mark James Thomas and Cane Lewis Tonks were in a Vauxhall when police stopped them in Castleford on March 3 last year, Leeds Crown court was told.

With Dougan driving, Thomas in the passenger seat and Tonks in the back, the police carried out a search.

Prosecutor Adam Walker said the officers found an array of drugs and paraphernalia in the vehicle, including weighing scales, grip seal bags, mobile phones with clear evidence of drug dealing and what appeared to be a dealer's tick list.

Among the drugs found was more than £1,120 worth of amphetamine, £60 worth of cocaine, crack cocaine and a joint of cannabis.

One of the phones that contained evidence of dealing amphetamine that belonged to Dougan, the other phone belonged to Tonks with evidence he had been selling cannabis.

Thomas, 22, of Cavendish Avenue, Pontefract, admitted possessing a Class B drug with an intent to supply, and possessing a Class A drug.

Dougan, 25, of Hill Top, Knottingley admitted possessing a Class B drug with an intent to supply.

Tonks, 20, All Saints View, Pontefract, admitted being concerned in the supply of Class B drugs, and possession of a Class B drug.

Mitigating for Thomas, Christopher Morton said that his client was "lightly convicted" with five convictions, including one for drugs.

However, he had been jailed twice since being arrested for these latest charges, but Mr Morton said he had abstained from drugs and alcohol since being released to get his life back on track.

He told the court that Thomas had also been offered a job by his grandfather.

Giles Grant, mitigating for Dougan said he had suffered ADHD most of his life, but had made progress since being arrested, getting back on his own feet with a new flat.

He had 15 previous convictions, but none for drug-related offences.

Mr Grant also represented Tonks, who has no previous convictions, but said that he struggled with an addiction to cannabis.

However, the court told that he was back working and had moved in with his father.

Judge Simon Batiste told them: "You have come mighty, mighty, close in going to prison today.

"I've been persuaded to take a chance on each of you, but if you throw it back in my face I will lock you up.

"It's in your hands. You have all been pretty lucky today, do not blow the chance I have given you."

Thomas was given a nine-month sentence, suspended for two years, with 200 hours of unpaid work.

Dougan was also given nine month's jail, suspended for two years, but with a three-month curfew.

Tonks was handed a six-month sentence, suspended for 18 months, with 100 hours of unpaid work.