Teen jailed for Newport burglary and cannabis dealing

A teenager who ransacked a flat during a burglary before being caught dealing drugs weeks later has been locked up for more than three years.

Christian Richardson, aged 18, from Newport, committed the offences so that he could buy drugs. The expectant father was sent to a young offender institution for 37 months.

Cardiff Crown Court heard how Richardson stole Louis Vuitton trainers worth £500 and a £400 PlayStation 5 during a burglary at a flat on Royal Oak Drive in Newport on Friday, 20 June.

Prosecutor Ross McQuillan-Johnson said: “The property had been ransacked with furniture turned upside down and cupboards left open.”

One of Richardson’s fingerprints was found by forensic officers on a window.

In a victim impact statement, the complainant said the burglary had left him “anxious and stressed” and that he “no longer feels safe at home”.

On Tuesday, 8 July, Richardson was stopped and searched by police in Newport and found to be carrying 14g of cannabis split into five wraps and £90 cash. Analysis of a Nokia mobile phone revealed he had sent text bombs advertising the class B drug for sale.

The court heard Richardson already has three previous convictions for 14 offences, including possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply cocaine, burglary, possession of a knife in public and aggravated vehicle taking.

He pleaded guilty to burglary and possession with intent to supply cannabis.

Defence counsel Alex Granville said in mitigation: “There are many positives in his pre-sentence report and he has expressed his remorse. The defendant is a young man with a lack of emotional maturity.”

Recorder Simon Hughes told Richardson: “The burglary has had a significant impact on your victim.”

He was locked up for 27 months for the burglary and a consecutive custodial term of 10 months for supplying drugs, making a total term of 37 months. He will serve half at a young offender institution before being released on licence.

Richardson, of Gaer Vale, Newport, will have to pay a victim surcharge. The court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.