Our serious criminal defence solicitors recently represented a client (KB) at Portsmouth Crown Court charged with a numerous Class A drug supply offences. The matter came to us through a referral from a previous client, reflecting the trust placed in our firm by those we have previously represented.
The client had initially been represented by another firm but transferred his case to Sahota & Sahota Solicitors midway through proceedings seeking specialist representation and a more strategic approach to his defence.
Mr Sundeep Kumar (Solicitor) represented our client.
The Prosecution Case
The Prosecution alleged that our client was part of a drug dealing operation in Portsmouth and faced eight counts on the indictment, including being concerned in the supply of both heroin and crack cocaine, possession of criminal property and related offences.
The allegations arose following a police operation in which officers attended a vulnerable person’s address. Our client and a co-defendant were found inside, having barricaded themselves in the kitchen. Police recovered Class A and B drugs, cash and several mobile phones, one of which contained bulk messaging consistent with drug supply activity.
Our Involvement and Case Preparation
Upon instruction, Sahota & Sahota Solicitors undertook a meticulous review of the extensive telephone and digital evidence, including multiple phone downloads, CCTV and expert reports linking numbers to alleged “deal lines.”
Following this review, we prepared and submitted a detailed Basis of Plea, setting out our client’s limited involvement and personal circumstances.
Basis of Plea Accepted Without Challenge
The Prosecution took no issue with the Basis of Plea, which was accepted in full by the Court. This agreement resulted in a significant narrowing of the case and a marked reduction in our client’s overall culpability.
The accepted basis confirmed that:
- The Defendant was a heavy drug user who had accrued a debt to his supplier.
- He was threatened and agreed to participate to repay that debt.
- The phones used were not his and he had no control or supervisory role.
- His role was limited to street-level supply for a short period of time.
- He received minimal financial benefit, only enough to cover food and debt repayment.
This resulted in the charges being pursued by the Prosecution being reduced to two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs (heroin and cocaine).
Sentencing and Outcome
Despite this being our client’s second Class A supply offence and the fact that these offences were committed while subject to two suspended sentence orders, we advanced detailed mitigation before the Court.
The starting point had been an estimated seven years’ custody, but following our submissions and the accepted Basis of Plea, the client was sentenced to:
- 32 months’ imprisonment for the new offences, and
- 8 months consecutive for the breach of the suspended sentence imposed by Lewes Crown Court.
Importantly, there were no confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Our client was extremely pleased with the outcome, which reflected the strength of the case preparation and the clarity of the accepted plea negotiations.
Specialist Defence in Drug Supply Cases
This case demonstrates the importance of careful case analysis, an accurate Basis of Plea and the value of seeking specialist representation in serious drug supply allegations.
At Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, our team regularly represents clients in:
- Conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs
- Possession with intent to supply
- Being concerned in the supply of drugs
- Proceeds of Crime (POCA) investigations
We are often instructed following a transfer of representation, where clients seek second opinions or more specialist defence advice in complex criminal proceedings.
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Visit us: Sahota & Sahota Solicitors, 25 New Walk, Leicester, LE1 6TE
