Broken BMW light bulb costs Wolverhampton drug dealer £13,900
A broken light bulb cost a drug dealer dear when it led to the seizure of £13,900 cash.
Police stopped the BMW Omari Longmore was driving after spotting the vehicle had a faulty light, revealed Mr Edward Soulsby, prosecuting at Wolverhampton Crown Court.
When officers reached the vehicle they detected the tell-tale smell of cannabis and started to question the three occupants.
Longmore made a run for it but was found hiding under another vehicle after a short chase.
This left one officer to keep control of the two passengers and one of these seized his chance to flee and has not been traced.
The other, Jack Clarke, was arrested along with 26-year-old Longmore, who was found to have £226 cash and £60 worth of cannabis street deals in his possession following the stop in Kingsway Road, Wednesfield, shortly before midnight on March 11.
A further £3,000 was discovered in the car’s centre console with the rest of the cash haul later unearthed at a house used by Longmore, continued Mr Soulsby.
Mobile phone analysis revealed messages that made it clear the drug dealing which he and 19-year-old Clarke were involved in had been going on for at least 10 weeks.
Mr Michael Anning, defending, said others not present when police intervened had a more significant role in the organisation.
Mr Ekwall Tiwana, for Clarke, 19, who was of previous good character, admitted: “He has been very stupid.”
Judge James Burbidge QC told the defendants it was 'sad and disappointing' to see them in the dock.
He continued: "You both have the ability to lead sensible and constructive lives so I am going to give you this one chance."
Longmore, from Waterfront Way, Brierley Hill, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis, possession of cannabis with intent to supply and possession of money from crime.
He was given a 10-month jail sentence suspended for two years with 100 hours unpaid work and £340 costs.
Clarke, of Enville Road, Spring Hill, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of cannabis and cocaine.
He was given an eight-month sentence suspended for two years with 80 hours unpaid work and £340 costs.
