Addict who drove to Shropshire to deal heroin to pay off a drugs debt is locked up for two years

Shakane Stabler, 21, was arrested after his car was stopped by police on the M54 on November 6. He was carrying drugs estimated at about £2,500 and cash.

On Monday he was sentenced to two years at Shrewsbury Crown Court after pleading guilty to one count of possession of heroin with intent to supply, possession of cannabis, possession of cocaine, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Miss Sati Ruck, prosecuting advocate, told the court the defendant admitted the crimes on a basis of plea at a hearing in Kidderminster days after he was caught.

She said he was an addict and had revealed he owed money to dealers, who told him to deliver drugs to Shropshire as a means to repay his debt.

He also stated that the Class B drugs were for his own use.

Miss Ruck said when his mobile phone was checked by officers messages relating to drugs activity were found.

Mr Scott Coughtrie, mitigating barrister, said the defendant's actions put him in a lesser role under the sentencing guidelines for street dealing.

"I have to accept that my client was motivated by finance.

"The text messages only existed for a matter of a couple of weeks before the incident where he ends up being stopped by the police on the M54.

"He has been honest and frank. He has actually said the drugs were someone else's which is perhaps true. He pleaded guilty at the magistrates' court," Mr Coughtrie said.

For the drugs offences Stabler was locked for two years.

He was banned for 12 months for driving whilst disqualified and there was no separate penalty for driving without insurance.

Sentencing judge Mr Recorder Gareth Evans QC said Stabler, of Beake Avenue, Coventry, must serve half before being released on licence.

He also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the seized drugs.

"You knew perfectly well when to stated to get involved in dealing, that people in drugs go to prison. I take into account what you has been said on your behalf and I give you credit for your early guilty pleas for the simply possession of cannabis and cocaine," the judge added.