Summary
Our client was charged alongside two co-defendants with conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin. Although he accepted his involvement in supplying drugs, our client completely denied any conspiracy. Thanks to the expert legal defence provided by Partner Joanne Cestaro, our client ultimately received a suspended sentence order, whereas both co-defendants received lengthy prison sentences.
Details of the Offence
Our client was a young man who had been struggling significantly with his finances. In a time of desperation, he became involved in selling drugs for additional income. He maintained this only lasted five months as he quickly began to regret his involvement in the situation.
Lawtons represented our client on this matter from the offset at the Police Station, all the way through to the Crown Court proceedings, where he was charged alongside two co-defendants.
Our client completely denied the charges and denied any knowledge of the co-defendants being concerned with the supply of drugs. Our client knew co-defendant A personally but had no connection with co-defendant B at all.
Although our client accepted dealing drugs for a period of time, he asserted that there was no involvement with either co-defendant and that he had no part in any conspiracy. It was in effect his own enterprise and not linked to the wider conspiracy.
Our Defence
Partner Joanne Cestaro took on our client’s case for the Crown Court proceedings, where she conducted expert analysis of the evidence to assert that our client was not involved in any conspiracy.
Due to this extensive analysis, Joanne was able to make representations to the Prosecution, arguing that a lesser offence of being concerned in the supply of cocaine only would be more suitable for our client’s circumstances.
This argument was accepted and our client pleaded guilty to the lesser offence. To minimise the severity of the sentence imposed, Joanne also obtained several character references as mitigation to assert our client’s character.
Our client was very distressed by the legal proceedings and was suffering increasingly with mental health issues. He deeply regretted his actions and was scared about the impact of the conviction on his future. For an offence of this nature, our client was at risk of a significant prison sentence. Joanne made sure to support our client and ease his anxieties as much as possible.
Court
Our client appeared for sentencing at Luton Crown Court, where he was represented by Barrister Jon Harrison of Lamb Building Chambers. Thanks to the strength of the mitigation prepared which referred to our client’s age and good character, the court agreed that a non-immediate custodial sentence would be appropriate.
Ultimately, our client was sentenced to a 20-month sentence suspended for two years. Co-defendants A and B were both sentenced to immediate prison sentences of 14 years and 7 years respectively.
Our client was extremely relieved with this outcome, considering the risk he faced of immediate prison. He was very grateful to both Joanne and Jon for their support and expert guidance throughout such a stressful time.
Without our team’s expertise, our client likely would have faced immediate prison which would have led to much harsher consequences for his future.
Looking for a specialist drug supply solicitor?
If you have been accused of a drug supply charges, it’s important to secure expert legal representation immediately as the consequences can be extremely serious. At Lawtons, we have extensive experience in this area of criminal law and are dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for our clients. If you need legal advice, please do not hesitate – contact a member of our specialist team today.
