Man admits drug dealing offences at crown court

Josh Cumberbatch, of Belvedere Place in Worsley Mesnes, pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods, possessing crack cocaine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of heroin, possessing an offensive weapon, driving without a licence and driving without insurance at Liverpool Crown Court on April 8.

He was arrested after numerous items were stolen during a burglary at a house on Woodhouse Lane on January 11, including a Volvo car which had been parked outside the address and was taken with its key.

Three days later on January 14 the stolen Volvo was sighted by police officers. It was stopped on Laithwaite Road in Worsley Hall after being blocked in by two police cars.

Cumberbatch was the driver and sole occupant and was arrested at the scene. On being searched a knuckle duster was found in his pocket as well as ten wraps of crack cocaine.

His mobile phone was also recovered and evidence showed that the 19-year-old was actively dealing heroin and crack cocaine in the hours and days leading up to his arrest.

During his police interviews Cumberbatch claimed to have just bought the car a few hours before his arrest. He also stated that he had found the knuckle duster and drugs in the glove box.

He denied that the drugs texts on his phone had been sent by him but could not explain who had sent them.

Cumberbatch was bailed to return to court on May 6 for sentence.