Custody avoided for allegations of possession with intent to supply class A and possession of criminal property
Sonn Macmillan Walker represented a client who pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property. The starting point on the facts of this case and according to the Sentencing Guidelines, was 4 years and 6 months’ custody.
Our client was of previous good character and pleaded guilty to the possession of criminal property matter on a basis: whilst he accepted the commission of the offence, he did not agree with the facts put forward by the prosecution. The prosecution were unwilling to accept our basis of plea. We subsequently served evidence in support of our client’s basis and the Judge accepted his position.
Despite a damning Pre-Sentence Report, we submitted that the offending behaviour was wholly out of character for our client. We supported this by serving references from family, his college and from previous voluntary work he had undertaken.
Our client received a suspended sentence. Relieved with the outcome, our client was grateful for our work and support: “I just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have done for me and all the support you have given myself and my family. We are beyond grateful and words cannot express how we are feeling”.
This case was prepared by Amy Cox and Anna Leathem. Bozzie Sheffi of 4 Breams Buildings was instructed as Counsel.
