A North East drug dealer has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being caught with around £2,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine. Lennoxx Narey, 20, was riding an electric bike when he fell off during a police chase in Middlesbrough.
How the arrest unfolded
On March 21, police pulled up alongside Narey on Grange Road, Middlesbrough. After a short chase, he was found in possession of class A drugs valued at approximately £2,000. Officers also discovered £640 in his man-bag. Narey later pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and driving an electric bike without a licence or insurance.
Court details and background
Appearing at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, Narey was represented by barrister Jamie Adams. Mr Adams explained that his client began using crack cocaine in December after his relationship with the mother of his child ended. “He has been very open about the shambles of his life,” Mr Adams told the court. “He quickly built up a drug debt. Crack cocaine is very expensive.” The court heard that Narey was threatened over his debt, and that his dealer faced physical threats, leading Narey to sell drugs to repay what he owed.
Mr Adams noted that Narey’s “father has not been a good example” and that “his brother has gone to prison.” He added that when police took Narey’s phone, he lost job centre appointment information and was sanctioned for missing appointments. Despite this, Mr Adams said Narey “does have good support from family and friends.”
During the hearing, Judge Joanne Kidd stopped proceedings to eject two of Narey’s friends from the public gallery for repeatedly talking. “Are you aware of my reputation for imprisoning people for breaches?” the judge asked Narey, who stood in the dock wearing a black gilet.
Sentence and conditions
Judge Kidd handed Narey a 31-month prison term, suspended for three years. The conditions include:
- A 12-month electronic tag
- 240 hours of unpaid work
- 35 rehabilitation days
- A 12-month drug rehabilitation order with regular drug tests
- A home curfew from 7pm to 6am for six months
Narey must also return to court monthly for progress reviews. The dad-of-one now lives in Thorntree, Middlesbrough.
