Daniel Burns, a drug dealer from Stockton, has been jailed for four years after sending a message that he 'needed a reload asap as phone going wild' while supplying crack cocaine. His accomplice, Benjamin Moon, who acted as a runner, received a suspended sentence.
Details of the Offences
Burns, 37, of Maplewood Road, was caught selling crack cocaine on January 7, 2026, but after being granted bail, he continued to supply the drug until he was arrested again on March 26. Teesside Crown Court heard that Burns and Moon, 41, were initially caught after police saw Burns leave his home and meet two other men on Norton Road. Officers kept watch as Burns returned home and left 30 minutes later for an underpass on Allison Street.
He was arrested, with seven bags of 0.2-gram deals of crack cocaine found in his kitchen, as well as two rocks of the drug, with a street value of £890. His phone was seized, revealing messages to customers, including one that read: 'You know the dance. Early bird and all that.'
The Runner's Role
Moon was arrested nearby, carrying 23 clear plastic bags, each containing 0.2 grams of crack cocaine, and a small amount of cannabis. He told police: 'I've just been asked to deliver this. I just get a bit of green for it.' The court heard that Moon was 'being used by Burns to some extent' to help sell the drugs.
Continued Dealing After Bail
Police received information that Burns was still dealing after being granted bail. On March 26, officers saw Burns on a scooter, 'riding in the direction of Norton High Street'. He had 24 bags, each with £10 of crack cocaine, and more of the drug stashed at home. Prosecutor Saba Shan said Burns was strip-searched, with cash found in his sock. When questioned, Burns said he 'was going through s***, and owed people money'.
Defence and Sentencing
Nicola Ayres, defending, said Burns turned to drugs due to bereavements, which brought 'financial debt, which crippled him'. Burns pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine. Moon admitted possession of a class A drug with intent to supply and possession of a class B drug. Judge Joanne Kidd jailed Burns for four years, with 40% of the sentence to be served in prison before release on licence. Moon received a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, and was ordered to attend 25 rehabilitation days and a drug rehabilitation programme. He will also be fitted with an electronic tag for six months.
