Corey Baldwin (Image: Gwent Police)
Last Updated: 2 minutes ago
A cocaine dealer who was locked up last month has been released after the judge who sentenced him decided to suspend the term instead.
Corey Baldwin, 23, of Twyn Gardens, Cefn Fforest, Blackwood, was originally given a two-year-and-four-month prison sentence by Recorder Greg Bull KC on April 23 at Cardiff Crown Court.
But after being brought back before the same judge on May 6, Baldwin walked free with a suspended sentence after the recorder said he had reconsidered his decision.
The arrest
Baldwin was caught red-handed dealing cocaine outside the Moggridge Arms on High Street in Blackwood town centre on the night of Saturday, August 9 last year.
Gwent Police officers arrested him at around 11.10pm. When stopped, Baldwin told them: “I’ve got coke in my wallet.”
He was found to be carrying cocaine with a potential street value of between £380 and £640, along with £195 in cash. Small quantities of ecstasy and ketamine were also recovered from him.
Lewis Ball, prosecuting, told the court: “This area is well-known for drug dealing activity.”
Phone evidence
An examination of Baldwin’s mobile phone uncovered evidence that he had been arranging the sale and delivery of cocaine over a period of several months.
Mr Ball said: “The defendant was co-ordinating drops to users and was using others to sell drugs on his behalf.”
One message found on the phone read: “I’ve sold those for you.”
Baldwin admitted being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession with intent to supply cocaine, possession of ecstasy and possession of ketamine. The offences took place between May 15, 2025 and August 10, 2025.
Defence arguments
Alice Sykes, defending, urged the court to give Baldwin the maximum credit for his guilty pleas and to take account of his young age and clean record.
She told the court her client was in employment and had suffered with mental health and addiction issues.
Change of sentence
Recorder Bull told Baldwin he now felt he had not given him enough credit for his young age and lack of maturity when he first passed sentence.
He described it as a “wholly exceptional” course to jail Baldwin for two years but now suspend the sentence for two years.
Baldwin must complete a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement and carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Addressing the defendant directly, the judge said: “I’m not known for being a softie. I’m giving you chance – don’t let me down.”
