York drug dealer jailed for 7 years after caught twice in 3 days

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 06:20 · Archive

Paul Watson, 46, was caught hiding with heroin and cocaine in York, then arrested again three days later with twice as much.

Paul Watson, 46, of Barkstone Grove, Chapelfields, was jailed for seven years at York Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply on 3 and 6 March this year.

On 3 March, police tried to stop Watson on suspicion of unrelated offences. He fled and hid in a garden in Mill Street near York city centre. Officers found him and discovered two bags of crack cocaine, nine wraps of heroin and £90 in cash. Three days later he was arrested again in Chapelfields with twice as much heroin and cocaine.

A police drug expert valued the drugs found on both occasions at more than £900 in total. Watson has 16 other drug convictions, mostly for possession, and was jailed for dealing in heroin in 2016. His barrister Nicholas Hammond told the court: 'It is clear that his life has been plagued by his addiction to Class A drugs.' Judge Simon Hickey said: 'Class A drugs cause misery, degradation and death. You know that – you are on the front line dealing on the streets.'

How it is being reported

• York dealer caught twice in 3 days with heroin and cocaine jailed for 7 yearsA York man caught hiding in a garden with heroin and cocaine was caught three days later with more drugs, the city's crown court heard.The Press (York) · 20 Oct, 05:00
• York dealer caught twice in 3 days with heroin and cocaine jailed for 7 yearsA York man caught hiding in a garden with heroin and cocaine was caught three days later with more drugs, the city's crown court heard.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 20 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Paul Watson · York Crown Court · York

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