Carlisle man given chance to reform after street drug dealing

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 15:28 · Archive

Matthew Earl, 20, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court after dealing cocaine, ketamine and cannabis for four months.

Matthew Earl, 20, from Linden Terrace in Carlisle, has been given an opportunity to reform after admitting to street drug dealing. Carlisle Crown Court heard that police raided his home on 24 January last year and found evidence of his low-level dealing operation. During the four-month period he was involved in the trade, Earl sold cocaine, ketamine and cannabis.

The raid uncovered dealing paraphernalia along with cocaine and ketamine with a potential street value of around £500. Phone messages sent and received by the defendant provided further evidence of the dealing operation. Earl admitted five offences: being concerned in the supply of cannabis, ketamine and cocaine, and possession with intent to supply of both cocaine and ketamine.

His defence lawyer, David Wales, told the court that Earl lived with his mother and helped her care for her other son, who has learning difficulties. Earl had experienced a difficult childhood, during which he began using cannabis at an early age before progressing to ketamine and cocaine. He also suffered from mental health difficulties including depression and anxiety.

Mr Wales noted that Earl had sought help from his GP and was receiving medication to address his mental health issues. Earl was supported in the public gallery by his parents and grandmother during the hearing.

Recorder Philip Grundy, passing sentence, remarked that he was impressed by the family support being offered to Earl in court, noting that many defendants face their court experience without such support. The judge observed that Earl's family were clearly concerned about him and committed to his rehabilitation.

How it is being reported

• Caring son who became street drug dealer given chance to reformA caring son from Carlisle whose cocaine addiction led to him becoming a street dealer to raise cash has been given a chance to mend his ways.Westmorland Gazette · 26 Oct, 14:55
• Caring son who became street drug dealer given chance to reformA caring son from Carlisle whose cocaine addiction led to him becoming a street dealer to raise cash has been given a chance to mend his ways.NW Evening Mail · 26 Oct, 14:55
• Caring son who became street drug dealer given chance to reformA CARING son from Carlisle whose cocaine addiction led to him becoming a street dealer to raise cash has been given a chance to mend his ways.Cumberland News · 26 Oct, 07:01

In this story: Matthew Earl · Carlisle Crown Court · Carlisle

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