A drug dealer has been sentenced to prison after his own father took the drastic step of reporting him to the police over concerns about drug intoxication. Luke Cable, aged 25, was found in possession of a substantial white rock of cocaine valued at more than £6,000, following his father's intervention.
Father's Concern Leads to Police Intervention
On February 24, Cable returned to his home in Brynmawr, where his father grew increasingly worried about his behaviour, suspecting he was under the influence of drugs. Acting on these fears, his father contacted the police and described his son as possibly having a rock of cocaine on his person. This call set in motion a chain of events that would culminate in a court sentencing.
Discovery and Admission at the Scene
When officers arrived at the property, they observed white powder visible beneath Cable's nose. He openly admitted to consuming a large quantity of cocaine, stating his "head was f*****" and that he was attempting to clear a debt. Due to concerns for his wellbeing, he was transported to a hospital for assessment.
At the hospital, Cable repeated his admissions to the police, explaining, "I am in debt, a lot of debt. I was trying to sell it but I sniffed a lot of it." This candid confession provided crucial evidence in the subsequent legal proceedings.
Evidence of Drug Supply Uncovered
Following his arrest, Cable was found in possession of a white rock of cocaine weighing 46 grams, with an estimated value between £3,060 and £6,120. Additionally, a mobile phone was seized and examined by prosecutors.
Prosecutor Hannah Head revealed that the phone contained three sets of messages related to cocaine supply, further substantiating the charge of possession with intent to supply a class A drug. This digital evidence played a key role in building the case against him.
Prior Convictions and Mitigating Factors
The court at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard that Cable has three prior convictions, including a previous offence involving the supply of cocaine and ketamine, for which he received a 34-month prison sentence. In mitigation, defence barrister Matthew Comer stated that his client fully recognises he had "done something stupid" and understands that only a custodial sentence is appropriate.
Comer highlighted that Cable's addiction to cocaine has "blighted his life," but emphasised his client's eagerness to leave this behind and move forward. Despite these mitigating circumstances, the severity of the offence warranted a significant penalty.
Sentencing and Judicial Warning
During sentencing, Recorder Dyfed Thomas issued a stern warning to Cable, noting that if he were convicted of a third class A drug offence, the starting point would be seven years in prison. He cautioned, "You better start understanding that if you came before this court again, if you were foolish or unwise enough to become involved in class A drugs again, the starting point would be seven years."
Cable was ultimately given a total prison sentence of three years for possession with intent to supply a class A drug. This case underscores the serious consequences of drug-related crimes and the pivotal role that family intervention can play in law enforcement efforts.
