A “DEVOTED” father has been jailed after financial struggles led to him becoming embroiled in dealing drugs around Powys.

Ricky Farrington, from Caersws, was sent to prison for two-and-a-half years on Wednesday (January 10) for his role in supplying cocaine.

Mold Crown Court heard there was a “deep sense of shock” from people who know the 31-year-old, who had no previous convictions but had become involved in selling Class A drugs in order to support his family.

The father-of-three was arrested on December 7 at his Maesawelon home, with police finding around £2,800 worth of cocaine hidden in a hollowed out candle and approximately £2,400 in cash.

Farrington entered guilty pleas to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and possessing criminal property when he appeared at Mold Magistrates’ Court on December 9.

Prosecutor Karl Scholtz said police officers went to Farrington’s address on the evening of December 7.

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“At 6.45pm the defendant pulled up, officers approached and explained they had a warrant,” said Mr Scholtz.

“They asked if there were any drugs on the premises; he said he previously had cocaine there but had sold it all.

“He had £55 in his wallet and four wraps of cocaine. His phone was seized. He asked officers for a deal if he gave them the pin, to not be taken into custody. Officers told him there would be no such deal.”

Farrington showed officers a safe in which he stored drugs. “They recovered a scales covered in white powder, as well as £1,190 in bank notes,” said Mr Scholtz.

“He claimed the money was given as a gift at his recent wedding. He kept saying he was doing this for extra money for his family.”

Officers found a clear plastic bag containing 28 grams of cocaine, worth about £2,800, in a hollowed out decorative candle.

“Hidden under the drawer unit was a black balaclava and a knife in a sheath," Mr Scholtz said.

“A fair amount of data was found on his phone. There were conversations showing he was quite clearly dealing in drugs and a tick list with names and amounts outstanding.”

Representing Farrington, Simon Rodgers said: “He is not someone who is criminally sophisticated and he has no previous convictions.

“He was quite naïve as he hadn’t considered fully the consequences and the damage Class A drugs do to local communities.

“He became involved as he was struggling financially, he was trying to help his family.

“There is a deep sense of shock from the family that he has become involved in this type of offending. It is entirely out of character.”

He added: "He spends a great deal of time with his children and he knows because of his actions he will be away from them; the biggest punishment will be for them and his partner.

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“He was remanded following his arrest and his time in custody has been extremely difficult. He has rarely left his cell. He is absolutely terrified of being in prison."

Judge Timothy Petts told Farrington: “No-one among your friends or family will understand what drove you, a man with a good job, significant family responsibilities, well-respected in your community, to start selling Class A drugs in your local community.

“You told police you got into it for the money. This isn’t a situation we often see where someone is exploited or intimidated into dealing drugs; you went into this with your eyes open, for financial advantage.”

He jailed Farrington for two years and six months, telling him he will serve half before being released on licence.

The drugs will be destroyed, and he ordered the cash be seized.