This just in from the local police:

A 21 year old man has been imprisoned for two and a half years for possessing crack cocaine and heroin with the intention of supplying it to others.

He was also sentenced to one year’s imprisonment for possession of criminal property – his profits from drug dealing and six months imprisonment for driving offences. All terms are to run concurrently.

On 1 July 2009, PC Mark Murphy from the Islington Police Motorcycle Unit  saw Shaun Walsh (dob 3.3.1988) of Tufnell Park Road, N7, riding his moped in Copenhagen Street, N1.
Earlier the same day, Walsh was found guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court of driving his moped without insurance. The officer, who was aware of this, stopped Walsh.
The officer searched Walsh, who was acting suspiciously. A large number of plastic wraps containing crack cocaine and heroin as well as £340 in cash were found. Walsh was arrested and taken to Islington Police Station for questioning.
On 13 July 2009 police searched Walsh’s home address for drugs and found a small quantity of crack cocaine. The same day Walsh was questioned in the presence of his solicitor to which he replied ‘no comment’. He was bailed to return to police pending forensic analysis of the drugs.
On 26 August 2009, Walsh was charged with possession with intent to supply heroin and crack cocaine as well as driving without a license or insurance.
The same day he pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court where he was remanded in custody for sentencing.
On 22 September 2009 Walsh was sentenced to two and a half years imprisonment and his profits from drug dealing (£347.70) were forfeited to Islington Police
PC Phelim Redmond from Islington CID carried out the investigation. He said:
“Drugs like heroin and crack cocaine have an extremely detrimental effect on local communities who have to endure the crime and anti-social behaviour that comes with them.
“Islington Police treat this issue very seriously which is we have pro-active squads like the Motorcycle Unit out and about looking for people committing these types of offences. A thorough investigation is then carried out by CID and local Safer Neighbourhoods teams work with local communities to tackle the problem in the long term.”
If you have any concerns about drugs in your local area then call your local Safer Neighbourhoods team whose details can be found at http://www.met.police.uk/islington.