Jarrow man admits to possessing cocaine after police spot car known for drug running

Daniel Purvis, 33, fled after police stopped a car known for drug running in Edinburgh Road, Jarrow, on Monday, January 31, 2022.

Purvis, of Oban Street, Jarrow, was pursued and caught within seconds, with a search uncovering three bags of the prohibited class A drug.

At South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court, he pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine – his fifth criminal conviction.

But the lull in his case being heard was criticised by his solicitor, Val Bell, who also conceded Purvis had since committed other offences.

She insisted he was putting a short-lived spell of crime behind him, including by attempting to kick a drugs’ habit and returning to gym training.

Ms Bell told the court: “I’m not quite sure why on Earth it’s taken from the day of arrest in January 2022 to get this matter to court.

“He was interviewed on the day and admitted the offence. It’s a bit of a nonsense that it’s taken this long.”

She added: “He is on a community order, which was put in place after this offence. He is drug-free and has been for some months.

“He used to be a professional sportsman. He’s back in the gym.

“This was the second offence of his life and was before all the other matters he has been to court for.” 

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Prosecutor Emma O’Hegarty revealed police on patrol had spotted a red MG motor known to them in Edinburgh Road at 6.25pm.

She added: “The vehicle had intelligence on it for drug offences. The sergeant illuminated his blue lights.

“The defendant ran from the vehicle and the officer gave chase. He was caught a short distance later.

“A search revealed three bags of cocaine. He admitted possession. He has four previous convictions, the most recent in April 2023.”

Magistrates told Purvis they recognised the age of the offence and could step outside sentencing guidelines to impose a 12-month conditional discharge.

John Lee, chair of the bench, said the crime would have been dealt with on similar terms had it formed part of one of Purvis’s previous court hearings.

Purvis must also pay a £26 victim surcharge.