Newbury drug dealer Alexander Richardson weeps as he is sentenced

A DRUG dealer sobbed in the dock as he was told he was not going straight back to prison.

Alexander Richardson was caught with bags of cannabis with a street value of £725 plus £444 in cash.

The 29-year-old, of Market Place, Newbury, admitted possessing the Class B-controlled drug cannabis with intent to supply it to another in Newbury on July 8, 2022.

He has 10 previous convictions for offences including drug possession, cannabis dealing, drug-driving and obstructing police.

Richardson appeared for sentencing for his latest offending at Reading Crown Court on Tuesday, May 21.

Jane Davies, prosecuting, said police arrested him following a brief chase on foot in Newbury for an unrelated matter and found the Class B controlled drug haul when they searched his bag.

A mobile phone was seized and analysed and found to contain numerous contacts and messages related to cannabis dealing, the court heard.

It was, she added, a “typical street dealing offence” aggravated by Richardson’s previous jail stint for dealing.

Ms Davies told the court: “This is the lifestyle he has chosen.”

As Richardson wept in the dock and a female companion sobbed loudly in the public gallery, prompting an admonishment from judge Sarah Campbell, defence counsel Josh Bibby pleaded for his client to retain his liberty.

Delays in bringing the case to court meant two years had elapsed, with no re-offending in the meantime, he said.

Mr Bibby added: “His mental health is a factor that could be worked on in the community - he seems to be a prime candidate for that.

“He is very sorry for what he has done.

“He is very concerned about the very real prospect of immediate custody today.”

Judge Campbell said Richardson’s drug dealing amounted to “a not insignificant business”.

Nevertheless, she added, she would take into account the delay in bringing the case to court and the lack of new offences during that time.

The overcrowding pressure on the prison population would also be a factor in her sentencing, indicated Judge Campbell.

Richardson was sentenced to 16 weeks imprisonment, suspended for 16 months.

In addition he was ordered to undertake up to 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Finally, Richardson was ordered to complete 180 hours of unpaid community work.