A Newcastle grandfather has been fined after police witnessed him throwing packets of drugs over a stranger's garden gate in Gateshead. Edward Tams, 41, of Hamilton Crescent, Arthur's Hill, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court in custody and pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing a class C drug.
The court heard that officers were called to Thorne Avenue in Felling on September 11 following reports that Tams was being aggressive. Prosecutor Clare Haswell said an officer saw Tams throwing packets over a resident's garden gate, with more packets of tablets found in his pockets and falling from his sleeve.
Arrest and Previous Convictions
Tams was detained and found to be carrying a total of 37 packets of class C drugs, including Pregabalin. He has 11 past convictions for drugs-related matters alone. He had been due in court the previous month but failed to appear, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest.
Defending, Alanna Wesencraft said Tams's last drugs offence was in 2016. She added: "Someone came up to him with the drugs and he agreed to buy them. He's got four children, two grandchildren and is in receipt of benefits."
Sentence and Surcharge
Tams was fined £100 and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge. The case concluded at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week.
