Myah Benskin-Sullivan, 30, was caught with plastic packaging that police believed had contained a kilogram of cocaine, and he was estimated to have made between £2,400 and £3,200 from his illicit trade. He was sentenced to 70 months in prison at Cardiff Crown Court.
Arrest and discovery
Police officers spotted Benskin-Sullivan driving a Peugeot in Cardiff and later saw him walking in Westgate Street. When stopped and arrested on suspicion of drug offences, he was handcuffed and began shouting at members of the public, requiring additional officers to subdue him.
Prosecutor Tom Roberts said Benskin-Sullivan was found in possession of car keys, and his Peugeot was found parked in Guildhall Place. Inside the vehicle, an iPhone was seized and examined. Officers also visited his home and arrested his partner, who was later released without charge.
Evidence at home
At the address on Herbert Street, Maindy, officers found an A4 sheet of paper containing various addresses, a metal spoon with white residue, a quantity of cannabis, empty zip lock bags, a gold knuckleduster, and scales with traces of white powder. Discarded packaging believed to have contained a kilogram of cocaine and a kilogram of benzocaine, used as a cutting agent, were also discovered.
Messages on Benskin-Sullivan's phone revealed his involvement with an organised crime group engaged in the wholesale supply of cocaine, crack cocaine, cannabis, cannabis hash, and THC. Mr Roberts stated that the defendant received profits between £2,400 and £3,200.
Guilty plea and sentencing
Benskin-Sullivan pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of cocaine and cannabis, possession of criminal property, possession of an offensive weapon, and driving without insurance. The court heard he has eight previous convictions for drugs and violent offences.
In mitigation, barrister Tom Godfrey said his client has five children and suffers from anxiety and depression for which he receives medication. He added that the defendant had been the victim of a kidnapping involving serious violence and threats, causing him to fear for his family's safety.
Sentencing, Recorder Christian Jowett said the defendant had played a “significant managerial role.” Benskin-Sullivan was sentenced to a total of 70 months imprisonment.
