A drug dealer who was caught out when police turned up at his home said he felt 'relief' when he was arrested. James Arthur, 50, claimed he got involved in October 2025 after struggling with addiction and his mental health. He said he was offered a car and £250 per week by criminal bosses to flog cocaine.
Police find drugs at Failsworth home
Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Court heard he never received the money, and when he told those above him he wanted to stop, they made threats to his family. Events came to a head on April 29 this year when officers attended at his address in Failsworth due to an unrelated matter.
Arthur opened the front door, and officers were able to see a number of wraps of white powder on the coffee table, said prosecutor Emily Woodside. "A search was conducted, and officers found two mobile phones, bags containing white powder, a lists of names and numbers, a quantity of cannabis, cash, drug paraphernalia and a pallet knife with white powder residue," she said.
3.24kg cocaine worth up to £225,260
In total, 3.24kg cocaine was found, said to be worth between £109,280 and £225,260. The phones were analysed and showed messages indicating drug dealing, including one from Arthur which read: "Snow, mate?"
Defending, Peter Gilmour said that there came a time when Arthur wanted to stop 'and he couldn't'. "There was a feeling of relief when he was arrested - it forced matters to an end," he said. "He had a limited function and became involved through exploitation. He lost his good name, he lost house he lived in for years, and he spent 50th birthday in custody."
Exploitation claim in basis of plea
In a basis of plea document, Arthur said he was addicted to cocaine and felt exploited. Summarising the document, Ms Woodside said: "One person said they would give him a car and £250 to sell cocaine. He didn’t consider and agreed straightaway, and was told to sell it and pass money up chain.
"He said 'I was not allowed to decide prices myself, I was not allowed to sell anything less than £20'. He said he never received money. On one occasion he kept £250, and they came into the house and took it from him." He added: "I told the people I wanted to stop a few weeks before, and they said they knew where my family lived."
Judge: 'No evidence of luxury living'
Judge Kevin Slack, sentencing, told Arthur: "You were addicted to cocaine and prevailed upon by people supplying to you to deal drugs. You are a vulnerable individual. There is no evidence of luxurious living and no evidence of profiting.
"Your brother speaks of how drug addiction affected you - it led to the less of your home and affected your personality. You have since taken advantage of the opportunities offered to you in custody and displayed a new found determination to lead a better life. You are now 146 days without having taken cocaine which is the best you have ever achieved since you first began abusing that drug."
Arthur, of George Street, was jailed for 44 months. He previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply cocaine and possession of cannabis. "I have passed what many may feel to be a lenient sentence. If you chose to involve yourself again with cocaine, can expect substantial sentence. Please make sure for sake of your family you are not tempted to resume taking that drug," the judge added.
