Mark Curle (Image: Gwent Police)
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A cocaine dealer from Newport is starting a prison sentence of more than two years after telling a judge he did not want his case put back so probation could look at alternatives to custody.
Mark Curle, 26, was given the option at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday. Recorder Robin Rouch asked whether he wanted the hearing adjourned for an appointment with probation to consider non-custodial options. His answer was one word: “No.”
The court hearing
Curle, of Clarence Place, admitted being concerned in the supply of class A drugs. He has one previous conviction, for possession of class B drugs.
Phone evidence
The case against him rested largely on what officers found on a black iPhone taken from his home. Prosecutor Sarah Grace told the court the messages showed Curle was in contact with a dealer further up the chain, telling that supplier he would be available to collect cocaine and could wash it into crack cocaine.
He was also messaging customers to let them know he was “active” – a term meaning he was ready to supply. An email address linked to Curle was found to be tied up in the cocaine trade as well.
The raid
Police went to his Newport home on 13 June last year to carry out a drugs warrant. Alongside the phone, they recovered three snap bags of cannabis.
Interview
Curle mostly answered no comment when questioned after his arrest, but did tell officers: “I am not a drug dealer, I am a drug user.”
Defence arguments
Alice Sykes, mitigating, said Curle had performed a limited role under the direction of others and had got involved through naivety.
Sentencing
Curle was jailed for a total of two years and three months.
