Cocaine dealer George Cripps’ sentencing postponed

A COCAINE dealer has been remanded back into custody after a sentencing hearing was postponed.

George Cripps admitted possessing the Class A controlled drug at a previous hearing, which was held at Reading Magistrates’ Court.

Specifically, the 27-year-old, of Bourne Road, Thatcham, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply it in Thatcham on Thursday, April 27.

He was denied bail and was remanded into custody.

At a sentencing hearing at Reading Crown Court on Friday, September 22, Rose Sloe, prosecuting, said police had raided a home and found the drugs.

Inside were Cripps, plus two other men – Dean Collins and Charles Heneghan, the court was told.

She explained that all three were arrested and interviewed but only Cripps was charged, while no further action was taken in respect of the others.

Pre-sentence reports had been ordered in respect of Cripps, the court heard but, through no fault of his, these had not been done.

The judge, Recorder John Ryder KC, agreed to adjourn sentencing for the report to be prepared.

Ms Sloe said the prosecution and defence needed to agree the degree of culpability that should be attached to Cripps’ role in the drug dealing operation.

Judge Ryder ordered the prosecution to serve any (PNC) Police National Computer records of Mr Collins and Mr Henaghan to the defence.

The PNC records details of convictions, reprimands, cautions, warnings and arrests, as well as local police intelligence such as details of investigations that did not lead to any further action.

He ordered the defence to serve the prosecution with any basis of plea that Cripps intended to rely on.

Judge Ryder told Cripps: “I’m afraid the sentencing can’t proceed today through no fault of yours.

“The prison hadn’t ordered the link (to probation) and accordingly we will adjourn sentence until November 15.

“Until then you will be remanded in custody.”