By James Simons-
A drug dealer who attempted to expand his illicit business by offering “pills and powder” to an undercover security worker at Leeds Festival has been handed a two-year suspended sentence. The dealer, identified as Douglas, also provided his personal calling card to the covert officer during the sting operation.
The incident occurred during the Leeds Festival, held annually at Bramham Park. Douglas was spotted by security and approached by an undercover operative. In a bold move, Douglas tried to solicit business from the officer, claiming he had “pills” (MDMA) and could procure “powder” (cocaine and ketamine) if required.
He then handed the security staff member a card bearing his contact details, promising he would be “re-stocking” over the weekend.
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Following the interaction, other officers followed Douglas to his tent and apprehended him. A subsequent search uncovered 42 MDMA pills, with a potential street value of approximately £420 (priced at around £10 each at festivals).
Investigators examining Douglas’s mobile phone found substantial evidence of his dealing operation, including a tick list, a price list, and explicit messages relating to drug sales.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Appearing at Leeds Crown Court, Douglas, of School Bank, Northwich, Cheshire, faced charges related to drug dealing. The court heard he had no previous convictions and worked in construction, with ambitions of becoming a deep-sea welder. A probation report indicated he had shown remorse for his actions and participated in voluntary work at a caving club.
Mitigating for his client, Michael Walsh highlighted Douglas’s youth and lack of maturity as contributing factors.
However, Judge Andrew Stubbs KC, in delivering the sentence, emphasised the calculated nature of the crime. “You were just over 18 and saw a chance to make money,” Judge Stubbs told Douglas. “You smuggled in a large amount of MDMA to sell to people… This was calculated, exploitative drug dealing to make you money”. The Judge also noted that dealers often make more money at music festivals due to higher prices.
Considering his age and lack of criminal history, Judge Stubbs opted for a non-custodial sentence. Douglas received a two-year jail sentence, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to complete 10 rehabilitation days with probation and 240 hours of unpaid work.
This case follows a 2020 incident where another Leeds Festival dealer, Martynas Benosenko, was jailed after accidentally texting his price list to a police officer. Festival organisers and police consistently warn attendees about the dangers and consequences of drug dealing, with stringent security measures in place.
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