South Shields man caught with drugs worth around £3k claims he was 'self medicating'
South Shields man caught with drugs worth thousands is spared jail.
A man who was found with a haul of cannabis, cash and a BB gun in his family home has avoided jail.
Ryan Allison kept drugs worth thousands of pounds, cash and drug paraphernalia in his living room and toilet before he was raided by police.
The 28-year-old admitted possession of a class B drug with intent to supply, concerned in the supply of class B drug and possession of criminal property.
Newcastle Crown Court today (FRI) heard how when police attended Allison's address in South Shields in June 2025, where he lives with his children, they were met by his partner.
Drug list, cash and scales found
In the house, the force found what they believed to be a drug list ledger, a BB gun, cannabis in various forms, cannabis sweets, thousands of pounds in cash and scales.
The drug haul was estimated to be worth as much as £3,200 on the street, the court heard.
It was only later that Allison, of John Williamson Street in South Shields, arrived back at the home, was arrested by police and had his phone seized.
Analysis of Allison's phone showed messages discussing drug dealing in chats with others, including videos of cannabis buds and the sale price of narcotics.
During interview, Allison did not respond to any of the allegations.
‘Used cannabis to self medicate’
Defending, Freddie Adams said Allison used cannabis to self medicate, adding he has a "strong work ethic" down to a career working in the wind turbine industry.
But Judge Mark Thomas did not accept this, and sentenced Allison to eight months in prison suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to carry out 49 hours of unpaid work and will be back in court in October for a proceeds of crime hearing.
Judge Thomas said: "Self medication? I think not.
"Allison obviously likes cannabis and doesn't see the problem in selling it to someone else.
"More fool him."