Sheffield man preyed upon by other to sell drugs avoids jail
He was “preyed upon by others” to sell drugs in Sheffield
A dealer who sold drugs in Sheffield to fund his living costs - not to make a huge profit - walked free from court.
Kevin Pipas, aged 21, of Occupation Lane, Hackenthorpe, was arrested by South Yorkshire Police after he was found with 14 wraps of cocaine and two wraps of heroin.
James Baird, prosecuting, told Sheffield Crown Court that on September 5, 2025, Pipas was seen walking up Campo Lane looking “nervous” and “suspicious” by police officers on duty near the Cathedral.
After the defendant was spotted approaching drug users, he was arrested by police and found to be carrying 14 wraps of cocaine, two wraps of heroin and two mobile phones.
The court heard that his flat was searched and cannabis was found in his bedroom.
Mr Baird said there was also a “sim card found under his doormat” and the phones confiscated revealed he was “actively dealing” due to messages he sent to drug users stating he “has drugs for supply”.
Pipas was charged with possession with intent to supply a class A drug, possession of heroin, possession of cannabis and possession of criminal property.
At the time of his offending, the court heard how he was having “issues with accommodation”.
Tim Gaubert, defending, shared how Pipas was “immature” and “all over the place”.
He told the court how he was often “sofa surfing” and “homeless living in hostels”.
He also mentioned how he had a “very traumatic upbringing,” stating that both his parents live in Portugal.
Mr Gaubert claimed he was “preyed upon by others” to sell drugs in Sheffield.
Recorder Jeremy Richardson, acknowledged the fact Pipas entered a guilty plea and said: “You were doing this to fund your own living costs. You were neither doing this to pay for your own habit or expected to make a significant profit.”
He told the court how the defendant is “young and perhaps immature” with a “low risk of reoffending”.
Recorder Richardson sentenced Pipas with a three year suspended prison sentence and 150 hours of unpaid work at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday, October 22.
Addressing Pipas, the judge said: “I severely hope this is the last time we see you in this court.”