TWO former drug addicts involved with supplying cocaine and cannabis in Powys have been spared jail – after a judge was persuaded by how they’d transformed “chaotic lifestyles” and dramatically turned them around.

James Berrow and Michelle Howe each received two-year prison sentences at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday, November 8, but Judge Jeremy Jenkins suspended each term for two years.

Judge Jenkins told Howe, 38, how there had been a “complete reversal of a life destined for misery”, while Berrow, 23, had “completely rid himself of the curse of drugs”.

Berrow had admitted two charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine from the outset.

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Howe, who originally was charged with 15 offences and denied guilt, eventually admitted a total of nine, including possessing cannabis and cocaine with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis.

The offences took place throughout 2021 and 2022, in Brecon, with prosecutor Georgia Donohue saying both defendants, previously in a relationship together, were initially arrested in July 2021.

“Police noted James Berrow had £1,940 cash on him. And drug related messages were found on his phone,” said Ms Donohue.

“Messages on Michelle Howe’s phone mentioned street deals. They were both jointly involved.”

She said cannabis was discovered at their home, contained in different packaging. There was a total of 56 grams as well as 33 grams of amphetamine.

Both defendants were located in a bedroom when police then raided their property in June 2022.

“A search uncovered a bag in the garden, containing cocaine, with an estimated street value of £19,730,” said Ms Donohue.

“Another bag containing cocaine, worth £1,580, was found. It was accepted that both bags were being held for someone else.”

Cannabis, amphetamines and MDMA tablets were also seized. Ms Donohue said both defendants had previous convictions relating to drugs, but none for trafficking them.

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Nicholas Gedge, representing Howe, of Tanyderi, Llangammarch Wells, said his client was a heavy drug user at the time.

“She had a good upbringing but left school at 15 and was placed in foster care,” said Mr Gedge.

“She fell into bad company and drug use. She was in relationships where she suffered domestic violence. She was the licence holder of a local establishment but was rendered jobless in 2020 due to Covid.

“This combination caused her life to go into a very serious downward spiral.”

However, he painted a rosier picture of life since her arrest. “She has not wasted the time since, and has completely turned her life around,” said Mr Gedge.

“She has moved away from Brecon, from all her troubles. She has sought help from (drug charity) Kaleidoscope and has now been offered a position as a counsellor and peer mentor.

“Her remorse is clear.”

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Representing Berrow, of Gwernyfed Park, Three Cocks, Lowri Wyn-Morgan said her client had made great strides.

“He was a young man who went off the rails in 2021 and started taking drugs,” said Ms Wynn-Morgan, who told the court Berrow had previously served a jail sentence during a two-year offending period between 2020-22.

“He now attends Brecon College, undertaking an apprenticeship in carpentry. He has a permanent role with a project management firm.

“There are references from his employers, lecturers and family members. He is now completely abstinent from drugs.

“His mum has talked of having her son back, having described how she lost him in those years.”

Judge Jenkins said both defendants had “commendably taken chaotic lifestyles and dramatically turned them around”.

“I have been persuaded that I don’t need to send either of you to custody,” he said.

“But, each of you should know that if you breach these orders you will find yourselves back before me as I will reserve any breaches to myself and I will send you to custody.

“Each of you should count yourselves extremely lucky. It is what you have done since being arrested that has kept you out of jail.”

As part of her sentence, Howe must complete 15 rehabilitation activity days. Berrow must complete 12, as well as 200 hours of unpaid work.

Drug addiction

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by addiction, the following organisations may be able to help: