A JUDGE has admitted taking an “exceptional course of action” in not jailing a Powys drug dealer for his role in supplying cocaine.

Richard Jarman, 44, was instead handed a suspended prison sentence by Judge Paul Hobson at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Thursday, July 11.

Judge Hobson told the Brecon man that the delay in dealing with the case – Jarman was initially arrested in September 2022 – his previous good character, the positive steps taken since the offences and the ill health of his father had all persuaded him to avoid sending him immediately to jail.

Jarman, of Coryton Close, Brecon, admitted four charges in total at Merthyr Magistrates’ Court in May; being concerned in the supply of and possession with intent to supply cocaine, as well as possessing ketamine and cannabis.

Prosecutor Regan Walters said police found around £1,200 to £1,600 worth of cocaine at Jarman’s address when they executed a search warrant there on September 9, 2022. They also found more than £700 worth of cannabis.

“It was around 9.30pm when Police Sargant Jason Owens and PC Chris Bevan knocked on the defendant’s door, it was answered by the defendant,” said Mr Walters.

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“Officers found scales, a significant amount of cannabis, a white powder and a mobile phone.

“In total 13.2 grams of cocaine was recovered and 58.2g of cannabis, as well as a wrap of ketamine.

“The cocaine recovered in total had an estimated street value of between £1,290-£1,610. The cannabis was valued at about £727, while the ketamine was worth £10-20.

“Texts were analysed which showed him to be involved in the dealing of cocaine. There were references to ‘sniff’, ‘crack’ and ‘coke’.”

Mr Walters said Jarman had a previously clean record, though the offences were aggravated by the fact he had been released on investigation in relation to possessing cannabis at the time.

Hashim Salman, defending him, said: “He played a significant role, and almost all similar types of offending end in immediate custodial sentences; and he could have no complaint if he gets the same.

“But an exceptional course can be taken by your honour. There has been an enormous delay. He feels as if his life has been on hold the last two years.

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“He is of hitherto good character and there is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, he has gone some way to prove that.

“There has been no reoffending in the intervening period and a pre-sentence report says his level of risk can be managed in the community.”

Mr Salman added: “He has two sons, who he lost touch with after falling into drug use.

“He was unable to work. Amphetamines were the gateway drug which led to MDMA and cocaine misuse. He suffered financially.

“His personal circumstances have drastically improved though. He lives with his father who he has caring responsibilities for. Most importantly, he has rebuilt relationships with his sons and has fully engaged with Kaleidoscope (drug and alcohol charity).

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“There is a reference from a Reverend Wooton who talks of how he has helped others at church through their own drug misuse.

“At 14 he went through the very traumatic death of his sister. And his father has suffered 3 strokes in the last 2 years and is extremely unwell. He is also now working.”

Judge Hobson told him: “99 times out of 100 the appropriate sentence would be immediate custody.

“But there is strong mitigation in that you’re of good character, there was a delay in the case, the positive steps you’ve taken and the health of your father.

“There are prospects of rehabilitation, which enables me to reduce the term of imprisonment significantly."

For the two supply charges, Jarman was jailed for two years, suspended for 18 months – something Judge Hobson described as “an exceptional course of action”.

There will be no separate penalty for the two possession charges. Jarman will complete 10 rehabilitation activity days and 300 hours of unpaid work – the maximum that can be imposed.