A man who pleaded guilty for possession of drugs with intent to supply has been praised by a Nottingham judge who described the defendant as a "model in society" after turning his life around. James Mitchell, 30, was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday (August 24).
Mitchell was driving a blue Ford Fiesta on the morning of March 13, 2020, when two police officers spotted him acting suspiciously on Sandays Close, in The Meadows. His vehicle was searched by police who found 52 grams of crack cocaine and heroin, a small amount of amphetamine for personal use, and cash.
The defendant, a car salesman who lives in Maples Street, Forest Fields, was represented in court by Bianca Brasoveanu, and Stuart Pattinson was prosecuting. His Honour Judge Rafferty QC has described Mitchell's arrest as a "blessing" for Mitchell who was "living a lie".
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He added: "If you dabble class A drugs, you are living a lie. His mum, who is also here today, found unable to support him. And so it was that his arrest was a blessing. Almost every other person in his position has simply continued to use drugs. The person on March 13 in 2020 is now changed.
"There is not any doubt that he is completely another person. He has become a model in society." A trial had been set for July 8 before Mitchell pleaded guilty to the offences.
He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years. "You should be proud of yourself," the judge added. "The probation officer also praised you. For the next two years you are at risk. Any mistake and you are at the bottom again."
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