A drug dealer who stashed ammunition and drugs at his mum’s house has been jailed.
Jake Burns, 21, was sentenced to two years and four months imprisonment at Manchester Crown Court this afternoon after pleading guilty to supplying class A drugs, and possession of ammunition.
The court heard how he began dealing drugs including heroin and crack cocaine to pay off debts from his own drug use. He was initially arrested in March 2022, and released on bail.
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But just one month later, in an effort to repay the cost of the drugs lost during his first arrest, he was caught dealing again and arrested following a police chase from Plymouth Road, Longsight. When caught, police found several bags of white powder on him, as well as £34 in cash.
Prosecuting, Ms Kate Gaskell told the court that upon search of his house, where he lives with his mum, 11 bullets were also found alongside crack cocaine, and bulking agents.
Defending, Mr Tom McKail said Burns was holding the ammunition for others, and that there was “no evidence of it being used”.
“This is a young man who is ashamed of the way he behaved and he is beginning to make steps to recovery,” he said.
But Judge Conrad QC called the possession of drugs alongside ammunition “a matter of concern”.
Burns, of Dartford Close, has no previous convictions, and was described by the defence as someone with an “unfortunate and often told story before this court, of a young man who started with drugs, drugs took over his life, and then he got into debt.”
He said Burns had a “strong work ethic” shown even when dealing, but was “at mercy” of others higher up than him.
Judge Conrad QC said Burns had shown a “surprising but commendable frankness” in confessing the length of his involvement with drugs to the probation service - but issued him with stern words.
“Dealing in drugs is dealing in death and misery,” he said. “It is a stark choice you have to make. If you continue to associate with these types of people, you will have a life of misery.”
He told Burns he could “still have a good life,” but it was his choice not to reoffend, adding: “You were operating under the instructions of others. I do believe once you have served this sentence you may rehabilitate yourself.”
Burns pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possessing crack cocaine, cocaine, heroin, and ketamine, as well as possessing ammunition. He has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison
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