Cardiff Crown Court (Image: graham a bell / Alamy)
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A 21-year-old who was running his own cocaine and cannabis supply operation was spared jail after a judge concluded he could still turn his life around.
Tyrell Eason, of George Street, Cwmcarn, Caerphilly, received a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting to offering to sell both cocaine and cannabis between November and December 2024.
The phone that gave it all away
Eason’s downfall came through his own device. Officers pulled him over on Boxing Day 2024 while he was driving a Volkswagen Golf that reeked of cannabis.
During the stop, Eason handed his iPhone to police – only for drug-related notifications to begin appearing on the screen in front of them.
What officers found
Prosecutor Lewis Ball told the court that examination of the phone revealed a stream of messages connected to drug supply.
“There were orders for sniff and flake after drugs had been offered to customers,” he said.
“There was bulk advertising. There were notifications if he was away. Deliveries were promised. He was talking about his stock. There were messages about deliveries and drop off.”
A subsequent financial investigation uncovered thousands of pounds flowing into Eason’s bank account from customers.
Defence
Darren Bishop, representing Eason, described the operation as basic and small-scale.
“This was unsophisticated offending,” he said. “It was his own operation and there was no lavish lifestyle. He’s a boy and he has learning difficulties.”
The court heard Eason had no previous convictions. It also emerged that an 18-month delay in bringing the case to court was caused by the investigating officer transferring to a different department.
Sentencing
Judge Jeremy Jenkins told the defendant: “You were making a very healthy but illegal living from this. It’s not cool to be a drug dealer, pretending to be a gangster. Drug dealing has very serious consequences.”
He added: “You need to turn your life around – get yourself a job. The ball is in your court now.”
The judge opted to suspend the sentence, saying he believed there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Eason was also ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and must pay £150 in prosecution costs along with a £187 victim surcharge.
