Drug dealer is not intelligent enough to go to jail

A crack and heroin dealer walked free from court after a judge said he would be vulnerable in jail because of his low intelligence.

Jonathan Carter, 26, was caught with seven grams of cocaine and heroin, scales, a drugs line phone and an accounting notebook recording profit and losses.

He admitted possession with intent to supply but was let off with a two year suspended sentence at Isleworth Crown Court because of his ‘strong personal mitigation’.

Sentencing Carter the judge, Mr Recorder Michael Hick said: ‘You were found in possession in the street of 30 packets of heroin totalling 3.87g and 34 packages of crack cocaine, totalling 3.64g.

‘You said you were holding them for a friend, we have also seen a note book indicating profit and losses albeit in small sums, and a mobile phone which was indicative of dealing and requests for drugs.

‘The guidelines for a significant role include motivation by financial advantage, it’s clear that that is at least partially true, though it is right to say that it is clear that you were largely using those sums for your own heroin use.

‘It’s also suggested that you had some understanding and scale of the operation, you had some 64 packages on you and were on the street at the time of your arrest.

‘Having said that there were also some features of a lesser role in these offences, it would be right to say that you had been involved through naivety or exploitation, you didn’t have influence on those above you.

‘Factors reducing seriousness: you have a lack of maturity, you have learning issues. It is clear that your remorse is genuine and you have taken steps to address your addiction.

A psychological report described Carter as a naive individual said he would have been easily lead and exploited by those in the chain of supplying drugs.’

The judge saud: ‘Dr Maguire’s results of his assessment say your overall cognitive ability falls within the lowest 7% of population with your difficulties likely to impact on your understanding and daily functioning.

‘You display features of autism: poor eye contact, using few gestures and no descriptive gestures. Again thats certainly supported by my observation of your demeanour in the dock.

The impact of a custodial sentence would lead him vulnerable to abuse and poor treatment for inmates as he appears socially unusual and vulnerable, continued the report.

‘Medical evidence clearly indicates that you have cognitive difficulty and are a vulnerable individual,’ added Recorder Hick.

‘There is a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in your case, and you have very strong personal mitigation.’

Carter clapped his hands together in thanks as he was sentenced to two years suspended for two years, with a supervision period of 12 months.

Carter, of Cranmer Avenue, South Ealing, admitted two counts of possession with intent to supply.