[A] DRUG-peddling South Cumbria student was spared jail by a judge, who told him: “I don’t want to see you again.”
Carlisle Crown Court heard Samuel Bowen-Wild, 21, had confessed to selling illegal narcotics for two-and-a-half years.
But his criminal enterprise was halted in early January when police who saw his vehicle weaving across the A591, near Kendal, arrested him for drug-driving. Officers searched his car and home, seizing cannabis valued at £140 and ketamine potentially worth £1,200, along with criminal cash.
Mobile phone analysis revealed 1,000 drug supply-related texts in just 10 days. Bowen-Wild – described as an undergraduate who harboured hopes of a first-class degree, and a talented musician – was sentenced today (THURS). He had admitted possessing class B ketamine and cannabis with intent to supply; possessing class A psilocin; possessing criminal property; and driving while unfit through drugs.
Judge Peter Davies suspended a 12-month jail term for two years after hearing Bowen-Wild, of Moorend Cottages, Endmoor, was drug-free, addressing problems and showing academic promise. He must complete 200 hours’ unpaid work and a three-month night-time curfew, and received a 12-month driving ban.
Judge Davies told Bowen-Wild ketamine and cannabis were “dangerous drugs”, adding: “Leave it alone. I don’t want to see you again.”