The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Holbeach Hurn drug dealer was trapped by messages found on his mobile phone, Lincoln Crown Court was told.
Ashley Callaby was originally arrested in January 2016 by police investigating an unconnected matter but as part of their inquiries officers examined his mobile phone.
Gurdial Singh, prosecuting, said “A download of the phone was undertaken. Various messages relating to the supply of cannabis were found. There were a considerable number of texts.
“There were also messages relating to ecstasy and cocaine. He was being asked if he knew anyone with ecstasy. There were various messages in relation to cocaine.
“The officers concluded that the defendant was probably a street dealer.
“The defendant was interviewed about these messages. He made no comment to all the questions asked of him.”
The court was told that although no drugs were actually found during the investigation Callaby was charged on the basis of the content of the messages found on his phone.
Callaby, 24, of Oakley Place, admitted charges of supplying cannabis, being concerned in the supply of cocaine and being concerned in the supply of ecstasy. The charges related to dates between July 2015 and January 2016.
He was given a two year jail sentence suspended for two years with 250 hours of unpaid work and a five day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was also ordered to pay £400 towards prosecution costs.
Ian Way, in mitigation, said Callaby was ashamed of what he did and has since turned his life around.
He said Callaby is now working full-time for an outdoor activities company and is well thought of by his employers.
“These offences were an effort to impress others. He is not a hardened criminal. He is a frightened young man.”
