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More on KentOnline
A drug runner who stuffed crack cocaine between his buttocks and brashly dealt in front of officers has been jailed.
Corbin Turner’s burner phone repeatedly sounded off with orders in the police station after his arrest.
The 21-year-old, also found to be carrying a knife, was jailed today for two-and-a-half years at Canterbury Crown Court.
Turner was a footsoldier dealing for his boss “Leon” who was in charge of a phone line for drug orders.
PC Eccles witnessed Turner dealing to a group in Albion Hill, Ramsgate, and confronted him in nearby Abbot’s Hill.
A search revealed he was carrying a personal mobile and burner phone, £50, and a blade in his sock.
“He was arrested and taken to custody and one of his phones was repeatedly ringing,” prosecutor Michael Harrison said.
About 20 heat-sealed wraps of crack cocaine with a street value of £250 were discovered between the cheeks of his bottom, during a strip search.
Texts also revealed Turner had been taking orders from “Leon” detailing where to pick up money and drop off drugs over a number of days.
A letter from Turner’s sister referred to in court explained he had fallen on hard times with unemployment and family issues.
Mitigating, James Burke added it had taken 15 months for the case to reach court, and Turner had kept out of trouble since being arrested in February last year.
“The defendant realises he is very much at risk of an immediate custodial sentence," he said.
"However, given that there has been a delay of 15 months or so, which he has used to demonstrate to the court his ability to rehabilitate himself in the community, I invite Your Honour to order a pre-sentence report."
Pre-sentence reports help judges decide what a defendant’s sentence should be, it provides a review of their mental, physical health, history, and attitude for example.
But Judge Catherine Brown was unwilling to adjourn the case for reports and jailed Turner, of Victoria Parade, Broadstairs, for two years and six months after describing him as a "drug runner".
Turner could be seen nodding as she told him: “You need to make sure when you come out of custody you get work, are a law abiding citizen, and this court doesn’t see you again.”
Asked if he understood his sentence, Turner replied: “Yes, Your Honour.”
He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to possess with intent to supply a Class A drug, carrying a bladed article and possession of criminal property.
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