A university student who began dealing cocaine, ketamine and MDMA after buying the drugs on the dark web has been sentenced. Oliver Sturnham, 23, was studying pharmacology in Newcastle when he got into the "party scene" and became a dealer.
Sturnham was caught after his flatmate tragically died from a heart condition and police searched their home, discovering class A drugs in the process. There was no evidence to suggest Sturnham was responsible for his friend's death, a court heard.
Court appearance and charges
On Thursday, Sturnham, of The Grove, Hanthorpe, Lincolnshire, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court to be sentenced for three counts of being concerned in the supply of MDMA, ketamine and cocaine; and possession of MDMA and ketamine with intent to supply. The 23-year-old had pleaded guilty to the offences.
The court heard that on August 20, 2023, police were called to a home in Newcastle following reports of a death. Sturnham gave consent for the police to search his bedroom.
Drugs found in bedroom
Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, said: "He said he was a drug user and there was a search of his bedroom, 25 small packets, electronic scales, and small packets containing 3.51g of ketamine were found. Approximately nine hard pills of MDMA were also found."
The court heard that the total value of the drugs found was £145. Text messages on Sturnham's mobile phone relating to the supply of cocaine, MDMA and ketamine were discovered.
Dealing over Snapchat
Ms Armstrong told the court the messages showed Sturnham dealt drugs over Snapchat, and he made reference to "high-purity cocaine" and "Panama Owl" MDMA pills. Sturnham had no previous convictions but did have a caution for possession of class A drugs.
Josh Hart, defending, said: "The defendant has since been told by the deceased's mother that the death was not related to his activity or drugs at all and was due to a hereditary heart condition. It was entirely coincidental."
"He is sorry for the offences and regrets his actions deeply. He was very young, went to university and got involved in the party scene and started taking drugs."
Dark web purchases and sentence
Mr Hart added: "He was concerned about the safety of purchasing drugs directly from dealers, so he started purchasing drugs on the dark web." The court was told that Sturnham would only deal drugs to friends and "not strangers" and that his friend's death and his arrest was a "significant wake-up call".
Judge Tom Moran told the court Sturnham was a "low-level supplier" and said it was a "mystery" to him how the case had taken so long to come to court. Sturnham was sentenced to 28 months prison, suspended for 18 months. He must also complete 150 hours unpaid work and pay £150 costs.
