Darlington cannabis dealers arrested twice in weeks freed from court

Two drug dealers have been freed from court three years after they were caught selling cannabis twice in a matter of weeks.

Jack Doyle and Rebecca Johnson were initially arrested with more than ten grams of cocaine, 600g of cannabis and £1,570 in cash when the house they shared in Darlington was raided by police in March 2021.

Anthony Pettengell, prosecuting, said their home was searched again on May 20 and 170 grams of cannabis was recovered along with £2,230 in cash and a small quantity of cocaine.

Teesside Crown Court heard how Doyle played a leading role in the business while Johnson was described as vulnerable.

Mr Pettengell said drug paraphernalia was recovered from the Haughton Road house, including five mobile phones and a quantity of zip lock bags.

The court heard both defendants had previous convictions for growing cannabis.

Doyle, 25, now of Hilda Street, Darlington, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, two charges of possession with intent to supply cannabis and two charges of possession of criminal property.

Jonathan Walker, in mitigation of sentence, said his client had taken steps to resolve his drug problem and had worked well with the probation service.

Johnson, now of Thompson Street West, Darlington, pleaded guilty to the same five charges.

Paul Abrahams, who represents the 25-year-old, said his client was a vulnerable woman who had struggled to cope with the legal case against her.

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Prosecutor Bryan Cox KC sentenced Doyle to 12 months suspended for two years and ordered him to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and attend a six-month drug treatment programme.

He added: “It’s a chance to get over the situation, put the drugs behind you and get your life back on track.”

Sentencing Johnson to two years’ community service with mental health and drug treatment measures, the judge added: “I accept that you played a lesser role in this matter, but you must understand that if you get involved in drug trafficking, you risk going to prison.

“It is important to stay away from drug trafficking.”