Dealer found with drugs in bum after club fall
BBCA drug dealer was found with £60 worth of ecstasy concealed in his bottom after being helped up from a nightclub floor, a court has heard.
A £550 bag of cocaine fell from Callum Harrison's pocket when he was assisted after falling down drunk on the dancefloor of Digital in Newcastle in February 2023, the city's crown court was told.
Police were called and went on to find more drugs during a strip-search.
Harrison, now 22, of Gateshead, was jailed for one year, suspended for a year, after admitting three offences, including being concerned in the supply of cocaine and possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply.
Late on the night of 22 February 2023, a security officer at the club was called to help Harrison, who was lying on the floor apparently "intoxicated", prosecutor John Hobley said.
As he was helped up, a packet containing 11 sealed bags of cocaine fell from his pocket prompting a call to police, the court heard.
'Immaturity a factor'
A strip-search at a police station revealed a bag of seven ecstasy tablets, also known as MDMA, "between his bottom cheeks", Mr Hobley said.
Harrison, of Argus Close, told police the drugs were for his own use and to give to friends, the court heard, but messages on his phone showed he was selling them.
In mitigation, the court heard Harrison was 19 at the time and had a cocaine addition, which had led to him being pressured into selling the drugs.
The court heard he had taken steps to address his drug use and there had been no further offending since, with no explanation given for why the case had taken more than two years to conclude.
Recorder Felicity Davies said Harrison was being helped after falling down "drunk" when his drug dealing was exposed.
She said "immaturity was a significant factor" and it was "unlikely" he would commit further crimes.
Harrison must also complete 200 hours' unpaid work and pay £150 prosecution costs.