Walsall drug dealer found with a loaded gun and a stash of £18,000 cash jailed for seven years

Police saw Nathan Morrison drive away from an address in Well Lane, Bloxwich with a girlfriend in her Astra, leaving his parked Audi behind, Wolverhampton Crown Court heard.

The couple went to a nearby shop but he ran off when an officer approached as they left the store on April 8 last year. Morrison fell while trying to get over a fence, dropping a cling film ball containing 22 £10 street deals of drugs, 10 of heroin and the rest crack, explained Mr Tariq Shakoor, prosecuting.

The 32-year-old suspect was grabbed by a police officer but managed to break free and fled on foot to a nearby community centre before returning to his Audi in which he left the area at speed.

Morrison gave himself up to police seven days later and was remanded on bail pending further inquiries.

More than five months later, on September 5, he was stopped by officers while driving a BMW in Short Acre Street, Walsall. There was almost £3,000 cash in the car.

Police also searched two addresses linked to him, one in Well Lane, Bloxwich and the other in Westbrook Avenue, Aldridge which the father of two shared with his mother, the court was told.

More than £11,000 was discovered at the former where a Webley 44 revolver loaded with four bullets was also found hidden in a ladies handbag in the back garden. A further £3,500 cash was recovered from the other house, continued Mr Shakoor.

Mr Martin Liddiard, defending Morrison, who had a car valeting business and several previous convictions for drug offences, said the cash haul had been acquired over a lengthy period with much of it made up of one pound coins and stored in boxes.

The lawyer continued: “He is a hard worker but lost his way last year after personally moving on from cannabis to stronger drugs. He became involved in serious criminal behaviour.”

Morrison, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to having an illegal firearm, ammunition and money from crime. He also admitted possession of crack and heroin with intent to supply.

Judge Michael Challinor said: “This was a catalogue of serious offending.

“You are realistic in accepting you must pay your dues to society but are a hard worker who says he is determined to rehabilitate and stay away from crime in future. I hope you are genuine in your intention.”