In a truly unusual turn of events, a drug dealer found himself in hot water after making a surprising call to the police to report the theft of his illicit substances.
James Beaumont, aged 38, contacted the Thames Valley Police to inform them that his residence had been breached, and his stash of drugs had been pilfered.
Upon the officers' arrival at his home, Beaumont willingly disclosed a list of the stolen narcotics, which included cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and a significant quantity of crystal meth, totaling 87 grams.
Appearing before the Oxford Crown Court on Monday, September 4, Beaumont entered a guilty plea for possession with intent to distribute.
Upon searching his residence, the police uncovered a cache of class A drugs, including cocaine, MDMA, methylamphetamine, and LSD, alongside class B drugs such as cannabis and ketamine, as well as the class C drug Etizolam.
Prosecutor Nigel Ogborne alleged that Beaumont may have had assistance in the distribution of other drugs, including ecstasy, ketamine, and crystal meth.
In his defense, James Reilly contended that Beaumont denied involving others in the drug trade.
Beaumont's mental health had deteriorated significantly during the relevant period, and he had even expressed concerns about imaginary individuals lurking in the vicinity.
Reilly stated, 'The defendant can make all sorts of claims. However, whether any of those assertions are valid is an entirely different matter. If the Crown is suggesting that he was a high-level drug dealer who engaged others and armed them, there is no factual basis for such a claim.'
Furthermore, Beaumont was found to possess six 'Tasers' capable of emitting electric shocks.
Judge Ian Pringle KC postponed sentencing to allow the prosecution to provide additional evidence obtained from a download of the defendant's phone.
This evidence will help determine whether Beaumont was indeed involving others in drug distribution.
It is possible that a judge will need to hear further evidence in a future hearing, referred to as a Newton hearing, to decide the basis for Beaumont's sentencing.
The case is scheduled to return to St Aldates Crown Court on September 22, where the judge will either arrange for a Newton hearing or set a date for Beaumont's sentencing.
Judge Pringle informed the defendant, 'You have no prior convictions, and at nearly 39 years old, your counsel has persuaded me to grant you bail.'
As part of his bail conditions, Beaumont must reside and sleep at his North Hinksey residence and sign in at St. Aldates police station every Tuesday and Thursday.
In another news, 5 young workers have been killed at a resort where they work after an elevator accident.
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