South Yorkshire 'weed' dealer spared prison to carry out unpaid work

Liam Galloway was recognised as “wanted” by a passing police officer as he passed a small package to another man on Broad Street, Rotherham, at 2.20pm on January 28 last year.

Prosecutor Stephen Grattage described how Galloway was carrying around £50 of cannabis in "under-weight deals" in a plastic tube around his neck.

Analysis of his two mobile phones revealed text messages with outgoing offers to sell the drug and incoming requests to buy it.

When he was interviewed, Galloway confirmed he had been selling “weed” but declined to answer any more questions.

He has four previous offences which don't include drugs, the court was told on Friday.

Ed Moss, mitigating, said: "He doesn't stand by his comments, he stands by his early guilty plea."

Galloway, aged 22, of Gilberthorpe Street, Rotherham, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply, when he appeared in the magistrates' court on December 1.

Recorder Anthony Hawks told him: "You tried to join the army but were discharged on medical grounds through no fault of your own.”

He said Galloway’s guilty plea and the conditions in prisons at the moment meant he could suspend the sentence.

"I give you fair warning. If you commit another offence you are likely to go immediately to prison."

He sentenced Galloway to 12 months, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to participate in 25 rehabilitation days and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

Read the latest cases from Sheffield Crown Court here.

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