Newport dad jailed for dealing cocaine and ketamine

A Newport man has been locked up after being caught dealing drugs for the third time – and the second occasion involving class A substances.

Ellis Briggs, 21, of Hereford Court, Newport, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting possession with intent to supply cocaine and ketamine.

The court heard that on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Briggs was caught with cocaine and ketamine worth £1,000, as well as cash. Prosecutor Emma Meadows outlined how this marked his third drug trafficking conviction.

Defence barrister Owen Williams told the court that his client’s substance misuse had taken a severe toll on his health. Briggs’ alcohol consumption was described as “staggering” in court, and he had recently spent time in an induced coma at the Grange University Hospital in Cwmbran due to serious health complications, including liver problems.

Mr Williams said: “He is an individual who is frail and unwell and he uses a walking stick. The defendant no longer takes alcohol or drugs. He has not offended since his arrest in 2024 and he is someone who exhibits a positive outlook to change. The defendant’s best mitigation is his guilty pleas.”

The court also heard from Briggs’ partner, with whom he has recently reconciled. In a letter to the judge, she stated that he had “really changed and regrets his behaviour” and wanted to provide for her and their child.

However, Judge Paul Thomas KC said an immediate custodial sentence was the only appropriate outcome. He told Briggs: “You’ve got a great deal of growing up to do.”

Briggs will serve between 40 and 50 per cent of his sentence before being released on licence. Judge Thomas ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs and told Briggs he must pay a statutory victim surcharge.