Blackpool drug dealer was planning trip to Las Vegas with cannabis proceeds

Benjamin Hill, 26, of Newton Drive, Blackpool, was given a rehabilitation requirement and curfew after Preston Crown Court was told he had made a lot of progress since the drugs offences.

Hill was stopped by chance in a Peugeot on Dinmore Avenue on the evening of May 20.

Prosecuting, Francis McEntee said: "It was suspected he may have been using drugs and a drug wipe was carried out, which was positive.

"A search then revealed a quantity of cannabis - enough to make 34 £10 street deals - and £325 cash.

"Further analysis of his phone revealed dealing by him through January and into May 2019.

"It is the phone and analysis of messages which give the clearest insight into his involvement.

"They showed he was buying different strains of cannabis in bulk and then supplying cannabis to the end users.

"The messages show he is constantly in contact with those acting as his runners, with discussion of the collection of takings.

"There are occasions when he expresses displeasure in takings being forwarded to him.

"In some he is calling in his money in order to get the funds to go to Vegas.

"All of that reveals while this appears to be a chance discovery, this defendant has been operating a business supplying on a reasonable commercial level.

Hill admitted possessing cannabis with intent to to supply, and offering to supply a class B drug.

His defence lawyer said he had suffered mental health issues which had led to him taking cannabis and funding his addiction by supplying to others.

Judge David Potter said the proof about his instructions to others elevated his involvement to a "significant role".

He added: "I would be failing in my public duty if I did not mark the crime with a prison term, but for various reasons I'm satisfied there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation."

He will face proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover any criminal gains.

(proceeding)