Dealer dad avoids jail after law change

A CANNABIS and cocaine dealer with a 12-week-old baby has avoided prison thanks to a change in the law.

- JASON EVANS

Ben Thomas was caught after arousing the suspicion of undercover police officers who were patrolling a Swansea community in an unmarked car.

When officers examined his phone they found messages relating to the dealing of drugs - though the defendant initially tried to claim that other people had been using the Samsung and accessing his social media accounts.

Thomas's barrister told Swansea Crown Court that the defendant was "deeply regretful and remorseful" for what he had done, and said his 12-week-old son was his motivation to remain abstinent from substances.

Alexandra Wilson, prosecuting, told the court that on April 18 this year police officers from the Swansea organised crime team were on patrol in the Hafod and Dyfatty area of the city in an unmarked car when their attention was drawn to an Audi car parked on Cwm Road.