Dealer jailed for nearly 6 years after £29k drugs haul

A Newport drug dealer who swore at police when they asked for his phone’s passcode has been locked up for nearly six years after being caught with £29,000 worth of class A drugs.

Jacob Richards, known to officers as “Trigger”, told police “Suck your mum” when they requested his mobile PIN following his arrest outside a block of flats in the Ty Sign area of Risca last September.

The 29-year-old from Cardiff Road was using an older couple’s home on Holly Road as a base for dealing heroin, crack cocaine and cocaine. Tracey Wells and Martin Logan, both aged 62, had allowed their flat to be used for the drug operation.

Richards attempted to flee when officers moved in on Monday, 1 September, but was quickly apprehended. A search uncovered class A drugs with a potential street value of £29,300 – both on his person and inside the flat.

The defendant admitted possession with intent to supply heroin, being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine, and being concerned in the supply of cocaine. Wells and Logan both pleaded guilty to permitting their premises to be used for supplying class A drugs, whilst Logan faced an additional charge after three cannabis plants were discovered in the property.

Prosecutor Hannah Friedman told Newport Crown Court that Richards is a “third-strike” class A drug dealer.

Defence barrister Sol Hartley revealed that Richards’ first child was born whilst he was on remand. “He was allowed to see his son in hospital,” Mr Hartley explained. “The child had open heart surgery and further surgery is planned. The defendant’s partner is suffering from post-natal depression. He knows his absence is his own fault and he will not be there to support his family. The defendant is seeking to better himself whilst he is custody.”

Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant sentenced Richards, telling him: “You were using premises to deal a significant quantity of drugs.”

Richards received 2,045 days behind bars – just short of five years and eight months. He’s due to face a proceeds of crime hearing later this year.

The court heard that Wells and Logan both have a realistic prospect of rehabilitation. Wells was handed a 134-day sentence suspended for 12 months, whilst Logan received 136 days suspended for 12 months. Neither had conditions attached to their suspended sentences.