A Watford swimming coach who was dealing cannabis was caught by police officers out on burglary patrol.
The Constable and Community Support officer approached Nick Lendon, who was seen in a white Audi near Merchant Taylor’s School swimming pool in Moor Park, near Rickmansworth.
Prosecutor Peter Shaw told St Albans Crown Court today, 27 January: “As they approached the car they caught a very strong smell of cannabis.
“The officers said they wanted to search the vehicle. One said: ‘Be honest. Do you have any cannabis?”
Lendon said he did and pointed to a blue bag. The officers also found a Kubotan stick weapon on his key ring. “I use it to defend myself,” he said.
Cannabis, £75 cash and the Kubotan were recovered from the car. A search was carried out at Lendon’s home and deal bags, more cannabis, scales and grinders were found.
Phone messages advertised different strains of skunk cannabis and there were references to ‘cheese’, a slang term for cannabis, said Mr Shaw.
He said the cannabis recovered was 12.64 grams, a relatively low amount.
Nick Lendon, now 39, of Chalk Hill, Watford appeared for sentence having pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with intent to supply and possessing an offensive weapon.
Defending, Angharad Hughes said he was of previous good character and sent the judge a reference from a police inspector.
She said the offence took place on Sunday 31 March 2019, when the school was shut. Lendon no longer works as a swimming instructor and has expressed his “sincere remorse.”
At the time Lendon, who began taking cannabis for back pain as a teenager, had been going through personal difficulties and was separating from his wife. He is now in a new relationship, said Ms Hughes.
Judge Michael Simon said: “The police stopped you close to Merchant Taylor’s School. You were expecting to be working there as a swimming instructor on a Sunday.
“They smelt cannabis. You pointed them to it. On your keyring was a pointed Kubotan.
Following a search of your home further drugs and paraphernalia were found. The messages on your phone indicated you were involved in supply.”
The judge passed an 18 month Community Order, saying he was taking into account his previous good character and the fact that he had kept out of trouble for nearly two years.
Lendon must carry out 15 days of a rehabilitation activity requirement, carry out 200 hours’ unpaid work and pay £1200 costs. The cash, drugs and drug equipment was forfeited.
As he left the dock the judge told him: “I hope we don’t see you again.”
Picture credit Len Kerswill
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