JUDGE GIVES ABBOTS DRUG DEALER A SLAP ON THE WRIST

A teenage drug dealer was given a chance by a judge, who told him to: “Go away and don’t even think about coming back.”   Joshua Finn, 19, received a two year suspended sentence and a six month curfew after the police found 13 wraps of the drug hidden in the loft at his home in Bedmond, Abbots Langley. Prosecutor Margaret Mascherenas told St Albans crown court yesterday (Tuesday, April 15) that the officers discovered 13 wraps weighing 12.34 grams and a dealer’s list when they raided the address in Woodland Way.   Finn was arrested and made no comment to police questions. He refused to give the officers the PIN to his mobile phone, so they were unable to investigate his contacts.   In a basis of plea the teenager said he had been supplying to known associates.   He pleaded guilty to supplying cocaine on March 25 this year. He had no previous convictions, but one caution for shoplifting.   Defence barrister Richard Storey said: “He had begun to use cocaine and had developed an £80-a-day habit. He got into debt with pay day loan companies and owed £3,000, but has sought help and is now paying the money back at £250 a month. He has said he deserves to be punished and has stopped taking cocaine.”   Mr Storey said Finn was now working as a trainee roofer, earning £300 a week.   Judge John Plumstead told him: “You have a good work record. You are going to have to decide whether you are going to settle down as a decent member of humanity or go into criminality. Do you understand?”   Finn, who had been supported in court by his mother and a former boss, replied: “I understand.”   The judge passed a two year jail term suspended for 18 months, with a six month curfew on Friday and Saturday nights between 8pm and 8am and ordered him to pay £380 costs.   He said: “Go away and don’t even think about coming back.”