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Thirty-year-old Matthew Graham appeared before magistrates in Carlisle earlier on Tuesday. (June 17) Graham pleaded guilty to two offences.
One involves being concerned in the supply of cannabis, at Carlisle, during a nine-day period, between October 17 and 26, 2021.
The other relates to him possessing the same class B controlled drug in Penrith, with intent to supply it to another, on October 26 that year.
Prosecutor Diane Jackson provided some brief details about Graham’s criminal conduct.
Police had executed a drugs warrant at an address in the Penrith area. “Mr Graham was present at that address,” said Mrs Jackson. “When they have done a search, Mr Graham volunteered a plastic bag which had been down the side of a sofa, and which contained cannabis.”
A quantity of the drug was also recovered from another room of the address.
The cannabis seized was said to have an estimated potential street value of around £8,000. In addition, a quantity of cash was found at the property.
Messages on Graham’s phone implicated him in the supply of cannabis, with Mrs Jackson telling magistrates: “It is street dealing.”
Graham, the court heard, had a previous conviction for being concerned in drug supply which dated back to 2017, and had last been in court during 2023.
Defence solicitor Anthony Wilson, mitigating, asked for a detailed probation service pre-sentence report (PSR) to be prepared before Graham was given his punishment.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had a case where I have more mitigation to put forward,” said Mr Wilson. “I think that would be better in a PSR.”
There had been “really significant changes” in the life of Graham, a father-of-six, since the offences were committed back in 2021.
Magistrates adjourned the case. Graham, of Misk Knowes, Stevenston, North Ayrshire, is due to be punished at the court on July 8 with all sentencing options — including a term of custody — being considered.
In the meantime Graham has been granted unconditional bail.
A second man, aged 36 and from Penrith, was also prosecuted in connection with the executed police warrant.
He faces charges alleging possessing of cannabis with intent to supply, possessing criminal property (cash) and is next due to appear at Carlisle Crown Court on July 18.
“}]] A DAD-of-six has admitted cannabis supply crimes which were committed more than three-and-a-half years ago. Read More
