Dealer tried to flee through alley dumping drugs over fence

A Milford Haven man attempted to flee through a back alley when police knocked on his door – emptying his pockets over a fence as he ran.

Dominic Jeary, 40, was obstructive when officers arrived at his home on Precelly Place on November 26, Swansea Crown Court heard. Prosecutor Caitlyn Jones told the court that Jeary initially refused to let officers enter before trying to make a quick getaway out the back of the house.

As he fled into an alleyway, he dumped evidence over a fence. Officers recovered £600 in cash, a snapbag containing white powder, and a wallet with £4.95, 20€, and an ID card.

Police seized a total of 9.27 grams of cocaine valued between £840 and £1,050, 4.7 grams of cannabis worth around £50, three cannisters of nitrous oxide, three mobile phones, and three sets of weighing scales.

Jeary claimed the cash was left over from £1,000 his nan had transferred to him, and said he wasn’t a cocaine addict but used it at weekends. However, analysis of his phone showed his involvement in dealing cocaine throughout the month leading up to his arrest.

He pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of cannabis, and possession of criminal property relating to the cash.

The court heard Jeary had 12 previous convictions for 24 offences, though his only drug-related offence was for possession of a Class B drug in September 2010. His last conviction was in 2011.

Defence barrister Emily Bennett said Jeary had been gambling and taking drugs after losing his job and suffering a family bereavement in the months prior to his arrest. This caused him to fall into debt and led to him dealing.

Ms Bennett said Jeary had completed a substance misuse course whilst in custody and was “motivated to move on with his life and leave his offending behaviour in the past”. She added that he had “taken full responsibility” by pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Judge Catherine Richards told Jeary: “You must have known if you were caught you would face a term of immediate imprisonment. I’ve read through the messages. It’s clear you were expecting a significant financial gain.”

She sentenced him to two-and-a-half years imprisonment. A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing was scheduled for April 24.