Preston duo sentenced for drug dealing after cash and drugs found hidden in home

Gurdial Singh, 27, of Ribbleton Avenue, Ribbleton, had ran a shop near Sessions House Court in Preston, but became hooked on cannabis after his business woes and the breakdown of a relationship, and got into a drugs debt.

He is now starting a two year sentence, while co-defendant Jacob Barton, 20, of Brackenberry Road, Preston, received two years in a young offender's institution for his role in the enterprise.

Preston Crown Court heard at 12.25pm on July 8, 2019 two police officers were on routine patrol when they saw a number of suspected drug users entering a car park, before leaving with items in their hands.

Prosecuting, Claire Larton said: "Immediately after they were seen leaving a silver Ford Focus left the car park.

"The police suspected the males in the vehicle to be involved in drug dealing and so the vehicle was followed."

A short time later a marked police car blocked the defendants' path.

Barton fled the car and was chased.

When he was caught he was searched by officers who found 54 heroin wraps worth £540, £120 cash, two mobile phones and slips of paper with 'dealer calling cards'.

Singh, 27, who had been driving, had £146.93 cash and two phones.

When police searched his family home they found £530 of drugs, including a knotted plastic wrap containing 16 heroin wraps, a Kinder egg with 19 wraps of heroin and a further 27 wraps in his bedroom. A further £900 was found in his wardrobe.

Phone evidence showed both had significant contact with a number known as the 'K dealer line".

Barton admits possessing heroin with intent to supply, and possessing criminal property.

Singh admits possessing heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply

Judge Richard Gioserano ordered the cash and drugs to be forfeited.

Addressing Singh he said: "You accept you were not only the driver but if you had not been caught you would have gone on to street deal in the drug crack cocaine as well."

He told Barton he had brought the pressure of the drug debt on himself.

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