Judge’s warning for drug dealer after two offences

Judge’s warning for drug dealer after two offences

1 March 2017

A JUDGE has demanded proof that a Downpatrick drug dealer has mended his ways.

Kial Leng (27), of Struell Avenue, appeared at Downpatrick Crown Court on Friday where he was due to be sentenced on four charges.

Leng faced one charge of possessing cannabis with intent to supply on July 17, 2016. He also admitted committing a similar charge on September 1, last year, along with a charge of possessing cannabis and one of being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

The court heard that on July 17 police searched Leng’s house at Struell Park, where a total of 95 grams of cannabis was found, with a street value of £850.

Amongst this was 40 grams of cannabis, found divided into 20 individual bags. Some of the drugs were found behind a skirting board.

At the time he admitted using cannabis but not selling it.

While on bail for this matter, the offences in September were committed. Police found Leng with a quantity of herbal cannabis on his person, a number of wraps down his trousers as well as scales in his kitchen.

He told police he weighed out the cannabis in £10 bags but made no money from this. Instead he said he got to keep some of the drugs for himself.

The court was told he had committed previous drugs offences. However, they also heard he was “not high up the ladder” in drugs distribution and that police accepted he was not being paid in cash.

Defence lawyer, Eugene Grant QC, said Leng had survived a difficult background but had worked hard in a number of jobs and was known locally as a “grafter”.

Mr Grant said his client was also tackling his drug issues.

Judge Piers Grant said it was “absolutely outrageous” that Leng had committed the second set of offences two months after the first and while he was on bail. He said he had also seen no evidence of any personal commitment from Leng to tackling his drug problem.

“This defendant has displayed absolutely no inclination to get himself drug free,” he said.

Judge Grant agreed to adjourn sentencing until March 3 to see any such proof. However, he warned the defence: “This is a significant custodial sentence that is required.”