Shropshire drugs supplier escapes jail term

Connah Thorpe's drug use spiralled out of control and took over his life, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.

Yesterday he was handed a two-year prison sentence suspended for two years after the court was told he has now "turned his life around" and had stopped taking drugs.

Thorpe, of Salop Street, Bishop's Castle, had admitted offering to supply cocaine on September 5 last year and offering to supply ecstasy between November 26 and December 1 last year at an earlier hearing.

Further charges, which Thorpe also admitted, included offering to supply cannabis on February 5 and 8 this year, and possessing cannabis with intent to supply on February 27.

Mr Stephen Bailey, prosecuting, said Thorpe's drug use was brought to light after he was caught shoplifting on February 27 this year.

He said: "The defendant admitted he had drugs in his car and at his home address."

The court heard police found a bag of cannabis worth about £45 and another worth £30 and a grinder in Thorpe's car.

Mrs Deborah White, for Thorpe, said the incident had been a lesson to the young man. She added: "He stopped using drugs in February as a direct result of what happened.

"What started as a bit of fun with friends turned into a habit which cost a lot of money and took over his life. It spiralled out of control.

"He purchased drugs to provide to friends and the only benefit he had was he got to use the leftover drugs. He is now wiser and has turned his life around."

Recorder Nigel Daly said: "On Christmas Eve you will be 21 and what I have to decide is where you will be spending that birthday and Christmas."

Thorpe was also ordered to pay £500 costs and do 180 hours of unpaid work.