South Shields dad caught with drug stash of cocaine and cannabis in police raid 8 days before Christmas

Harry Wilson, 31, was found to have 12 bags of a white powder, which was later forensically tested and proved to be class A cocaine. And at the property in Nora Street, near the borough’s district hospital in South Shields, a small amount of cannabis was also uncovered.

In interview, Wilson, now of no fixed abode, admitted both substances were his and for personal use, magistrates in South Tyneside heard. They were told he desperately wanted help for a drug problem and would welcome the intervention of Probation Service expertise.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson said: “A Misuse of Drugs Act warrant was issued at this address in Nora Street. “He opened the door and was arrested for being concerned in drugs. The property was searched, and items recovered.

“Among them were 12 bags of a white substance. It was field tested and proved positive for cocaine, and there was a bag of cannabis. The defendant, for his part, was cooperative with the police in interview and accepted the drugs recovered were his and for personal use.”

Wilson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a controlled drug on Tuesday, December 17, and one of breach of a community order. Joanne Gatens, defending, revealed Wilson had taken steps to address a problem with cocaine.

She said he was seeking further help by way of a court-ordered drug rehabilitation requirement (DRR). Mrs Gatens added: “It’s very clear that this is a man struggling with cocaine.

“In the period from 2014 to 2022 he was out of trouble, but then there was a period of time in custody. He has made it clear that he would welcome and positively like a DRR. He’s a young man who has a good work ethic and who has worked until this drug issue started.

“There’s a good chance he can get back to being the man he was between 2014 and 2022.”

Magistrates revoked a community order, handed to Wilson for a previous matter, and imposed a new one of 18 months. It compels him to complete 20 rehabilitation days and a six-month DRR. They also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drugs.