A couple, Michael Coyle, 38, and Lindsay Mudie, 47, were handed suspended prison sentences after being caught dealing cannabis. The discovery was made during a police raid at the couple’s home in North Kenton, where authorities found up to £5,000 worth of the class B drug, along with nearly £3,000 in cash. The incident took place in June 2021 as detailed at the Newcastle Crown Court.
Both Coyle and Mudie pleaded guilty to charges of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. As a result, they were sentenced to six months in jail, a term that was suspended for a year. Additionally, Coyle, who works as a bricklayer, was mandated to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and pay court costs amounting to £1,200 at a rate of £100 per month.
The court proceedings revealed that the police carried out a search at the couple’s residence on Hillsview Avenue in the early hours of June 10, 2021. During the search, authorities uncovered approximately 743 grams (equivalent to 1lb 10oz) of cannabis. The drug had been divided into saleable portions and was estimated to be valued between £3,945 and £5,325. Furthermore, law enforcement seized close to £3,000 in cash, as well as a list of individuals who owed money.
In their defense, the court heard that Coyle and Mudie had been selling cannabis to support their own addictions to the substance. Nevertheless, they had taken steps towards overcoming their dependencies and getting clean.
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