Man Caught with Large Cannabis Haul and Cash Given Suspended Sentence by Swansea Crown Court

…By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media. Man Caught with Large Amount of Cannabis and Cash Receives Suspended Prison Sentence

Defendant Claims Cannabis Was for Personal Use, but Evidence Suggests Otherwise

In a recent case at Swansea Crown Court, Jason Athernought of Dinas Street, Plasmarl in Swansea was discovered to be in possession of over 524 grams of cannabis and a significant amount of cash.

Initially, Athernought denied any involvement in drug dealing, asserting that the cannabis was for personal use and intended for a “close circle of cannabis users.”

The court heard that on August 21, 2020, South Wales Police executed a Section 23 warrant at Athernought’s residence, which he shared with his partner.

During the search, authorities found 524.9 grams of cannabis hidden in a wardrobe, estimated to have a street value ranging from £3,150 to £4,010.

Prosecutor George O’Donoughue informed the court that in addition to the cannabis, £3,000 in cash was discovered in a safe within the property, while £5,762 was seized from various locations throughout the premises.

Athernought claimed that the £3,000 belonged to his partner, who was saving for a mortgage.

Judge Hugh Rees KC acknowledged that this sum was unrelated to the drug offense.

Various drug-related paraphernalia, such as cannabis buds, scales, and plastic bags, were also found at the property, indicating a possible involvement in drug dealing, as stated by Judge Rees.

During the defense, James Hartson explained that Athernought had been using cannabis since the age of 11 as a coping mechanism following a family trauma.

Now 30 years old, Athernought was described as a heavy cannabis user.

When sentencing Athernought, Judge Rees expressed concern over the significant 25-month delay between the warrant on the defendant’s home, his subsequent arrest, and the possession with intent to supply charge, which was filed in September 2022.

Considering Athernought’s guilty plea during an earlier hearing, the judge reduced the minimum sentence.

Ultimately, Athernought received a suspended prison sentence of 23 weeks, valid for a duration of 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

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