Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
21
Aug
Man found with drugs after police stinger brought car to a halt in Spofforth
A man was found with 93 grams of cannabis after a police stinger brought a car to a halt in Spofforth.
Bradley Brook pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled class B drug at Harrogate Magistrates Court today (August 21).
Sarah Tyrer, prosecuting, told the court the offence happened at around 1.30pm on August 25 last year.
The case took a year to come to court as North Yorkshire Police investigated both Brook, of Neville Avenue in Osmondthorpe, Leeds, and his friend after initially being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply, she said.
Police became aware of a car that was connected to drug misuse travelling from West Yorkshire to North Yorkshire at the time.
The court heard the car, which Brook was travelling in, failed to stop in Wetherby when signalled by police.
The car continued along the A661, and police were told to deploy a stinger to stop it.
The stinger was used at Massey Fold, a cul-de-sac in Spofforth, and the car was brought to a halt.
However, 22-year-old Brook and the driver of the car got out and ran away.
The court heard:
The defendant was chased by police and detained. When he was detained, he was found to have a man bag with various items, including money and cannabis, inside.
The cannabis and items found on Brook led police to believe he intended to supply the drugs, but there was insufficient evidence to charge him with anything other than cannabis possession.
Brook was last before the courts in June 2021, when he was convicted of the same offence.
'Mr Brook maintains the drugs were simply for personal use'
Andrew Tinning, defending, told the court Brook has been a “heavy user” of cannabis for many years.
He consumes cannabis as a way of dealing with “bad anxiety” and stomach ulcers.
Brook has not been arrested since the offence occurred a year ago, Mr Tinning said, adding he has also taken steps to address his cannabis use.
The defendant saw a GP, who told him to reduce his cannabis consumption.
“He has taken this on board and reduced his use of cannabis since”, Mr Tinning added.
He told the court:
Mr Brook was with a friend at the time and he was not the driver. The driver was prosecuted for other matters.
Mr Brook maintains the drugs were simply for personal use.
The chair of the magistrates’ bench told Brook at sentencing:
Follow through on reducing the drug use. It’s not going to help you.
Brook was ordered to pay an £80 fine, a £32 surcharge and £85 in prosecution costs.
The magistrates also made a forfeiture and destruction order, which means the cannabis seized will be destroyed.
0