A man was caught dealing drugs soon after receiving a suspended sentence for drug-driving in a unique case.
Keiran Pugh, 22, had cocaine and cash in his bedroom. Police found them in a safe and a freezer bag. The judge said drug dealers face serious time if caught. He told Pugh he took the risk and may regret that choice.
Police patrolled Neath because of antisocial behavior. They noticed a car on December 18. The people inside seemed to hide from the officers.
Officers stopped the car. Pugh sat in the front with his dad driving. The car smelled strongly of cannabis. Police detained both guys. They searched Keiran Pugh and found cocaine and cash. He also had a phone.
Pugh admitted more drugs at the police station in Neath. He had cocaine hidden in his trousers. Officers found more drugs there and a search of his room found even more. He had cash, cannabis, and cocaine. The cocaine was in bags, including a big stash.
Pugh claimed he was addicted to cocaine and cannabis. He said he had debts but did not know how much. Pugh claimed he sold cars to fund his addiction.
Pugh admitted to drug possession and dealing. He also admitted simple cannabis possession. He had several prior convictions. These included voyeurism and drug-driving. He got a suspended sentence for the driving offense the very day he was caught.
Pugh’s lawyer said his voyeurism conviction ruined his life. He lost a job and started selling cars. He completed courses in jail. He also secured a cleaning job during his time locked up. His family will support him after he serves his sentence.
The judge considered Pugh’s efforts in custody. He sentenced Pugh to prison for 30 months to run concurrently for the cocaine offenses. He also added two months for breaching the first suspended sentence. There was no separate penalty for cannabis possession. He will serve half the total time in prison and be released on license. The judge canceled Pugh’s voyeurism order without extra penalty.