A drug dealer has avoided jail after a judge ruled that having custody of his teenage son was an ‘exceptional’ reason to suspend his sentence.
Damon Hilton, 33, was found with a large quantity of cannabis when police raided his home on January 28, 2021. Officers also discovered small amounts of cocaine and diazepam, cash, scales and a debtor list.
The debtor list stated that Hilton was owed £18,650 from various people for drugs, prosecution barrister Lisa Boocock told Minshull Street Crown Court. However, Hilton tried to claim that it was a “Monopoly score sheet”.
Hilton, of Cook Terrace, Dukinfield, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. He also admitted to possession of cocaine and diazepam. Ms Boocock also told the court that Hilton was previously jailed for 20 months in 2017 for possession of cannabis with intent to supply.
Defending, Mark Fireman described Hilton as a “low level dealer” and said that he has custody of his 13-year-old son. He added: “At long last, he seems to have come to terms with the fact that smoking and selling cannabis is something should no longer involve himself in.”
Recorder Edmund Fowler sentenced Hilton to two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. He told the court that Hilton having custody of his son was an ‘exceptional’ reason to suspend his sentence.
Addressing Hilton in the dock, Recorder Fowler added: “I’ve taken a big gamble on you. Don’t let yourself down, don’t let your son down. He’s the most important person and the reason you’ve been given this chance.”
Hilton was also ordered to complete a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 200 hours unpaid work.
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