Non custodial sentence in drugs case

February 25, 2016

In a case defended by David Bentley from Exchange Chambers a man who admitted possessing drugs with intent to supply has avoided a custodial sentence.

Hamza Farooq was found in possession of around £1000 worth of drugs in his Manchester hotel, including three snapbags of cocaine, 12 bags of MDMA and 21 snapbags of cannabis.

At the 20-year-old’s crown court sentencing hearing, David Bentley, defending, said: “He’s thoroughly ashamed. He had volunteered to assist the group celebrations, they were due to meet in the city centre to celebrate the Eid festival, that was the plan that night. One of his friends had booked the hotel, it’s clear arrangements had been made to receive the drugs.

“He’s a young man with no previous convictions who became involved in a situation alien to him. He’s now in fear that there may be wider repercussions.”

Mr Bentley went on: “He doesn’t fit the profile of those individuals who come before the court regularly. He’s a young man with intelligence, although that clearly failed him. He clearly hadn’t thought through the consequences. He’s brought shame upon himself and his family. He’s lost his good name and his good character. He had sought employment in security. That now will be in jeopardy.”

Sentencing Farooq to 12 months in jail, suspended for 18 months, with a curfew and unpaid work requirement, Judge Blake told Farooq: “Your friends, for some reason, knew that you were the person who could fix up the drugs. You are 20-years-old, good qualifications, a bright lad. If you go down this path all of that will be wasted.”

 

David Bentley is a member of Exchange Chambers’ Criminal department.

Further coverage of the case can be found here: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/reveller-pals-plotted-celebrate-muslim-10906725