‘All options are on the table’ judge tells Lancashire man who was 'very honest' about his drug problem
‘All options are on the table’ judge tells drug dealer. Reporting exclusively from Preston Crown Court
A drug addict has been warned he could be facing a lengthy jail term after pleading guilty at Preston Crown Court to possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply others.
Scott Nugent, who was said to have a “very long-standing drug problem”, was remanded on bail by Judge Guy Mathieson until September for a pre-sentence report to be compiled.
The 51-year-old admitted two counts of possessing heroin and two of crack cocaine, all with intent to supply.
He was given conditional bail but was told by the judge it did not necessarily mean he would be spared prison when he returns to court on September 3.
“The fact I am adjourning sentence doesn’t mean you should have any indication of sentence,” Judge Mathieson told him. “All options are on the table, including the possibility of a custodial sentence.”
As a condition of bail Nugent was ordered to reside at his home address in Havelock Street, Oswaldtwistle near Accrington. The only drug-related conviction on his record was said to be one of driving while under the influence of narcotics.
The court heard that despite his addiction he had managed for many years to hold down a job. But he had recently increased his drug use due to family circumstances and had therefore lost his employment.
He had been working with Inspire Lancashire, an organisation helping addicts to take control of their relationship with drugs or alcohol.
Defence barrister Jonathan Lally told Judge Mathieson his client had been “very honest” about his drug problem and had had the courage to plead guilty to what were “very serious offences”.
Claire Larton, prosecuting, said the Crown did not have the full record from his mobile phone to show the extent of his offending, but the examination was likely to be concluded before the new sentence date.
Judge Mathieson told Nugent that in the meantime, if he wanted to have any chance of avoiding a prison sentence, he should not commit any further offences and continue working with Inspire “and get a glowing report from them”.
“We will wait and see what happens on September 3," he said.