Drug dealer has jail term cut after waiting more than THREE YEARS to be sentenced
A former heroin dealer who turned his life around in the three-and-a-half years he waited to be sentenced has had his jail term cut by appeal judges.
Abdul Malik, aged 33, was caught out in November 2012 during a police operation targeting drug dealers on the streets of Wolverhampton.
But after a series of tragedies and delays, it was not until February of this year that his case reached court.
And it was May before he was finally sentenced, receiving 26 months in jail at Wolverhampton Crown Court for being concerned in heroin supply.
On Friday, top judges at the Court of Appeal in London criticised the delays and cut Malik's sentence to 20 months. Mr Justice Foskett said no one should have to wait three-and-a-half years to learn their fate.
But he continued: "Anyone tempted to peddle Class A drugs must know the almost inevitable consequence of conviction is an immediate custodial sentence."
The court heard Malik, of Needwood Drive, had found a job, and was now a father of three and had distanced himself from criminal associates.
He admitted what he had done was wrong, describing it as 'disgraceful' behaviour, which had made victims of his family.
In order to put something back into the community, he had started voluntary work, helping autistic children and adults, his barrister Mr Graeme Wilson said.
Mr Justice Foskett, sitting with Lord Justice Bean and Mr Justice Hickinbottom, said:
"Whilst we applaud him for all the efforts he has made, we cannot see any reason for modifying the almost inevitable immediate custodial sentence."
