Jail for Leeds crook who dealt drugs while out on bail

A court heard Matthew Riley, 22, continued with his illegal enterprise despite being arrested and released on bail when he was caught with drugs in his car.

Riley, of Mexborough Street, Chapeltown, Leeds, was given a 43-month sentence yesterday after he pleaded guilty to two offences of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, one of possession of a class A drug and one of possession of a class B drug.

Tamara Pawson, prosecuting, said Riley was stopped by police at a petrol station on Meanwood Road, Leeds, on December 20, 2012. They became suspicious as there was a strong smell of air freshener in the vehcile.

They searched the vehicle and found bags of cocaine and MDMA. Mobile phones were also seized which contained messages linking him to drug supply.

Riley was then arrested and released on bail but officers executed a search warrant at his home in August last year after receiving a tip-off.

Skunk cannabis worth almost £700 was found hidden in a bathroom cabinet. A small amount of cocaine was also found.

The court heard Riley has previous convictions for wounding, assault and burglary.

Stuart Field, mitigating, said: “In terms of the operation he ran, this started out as an operation to supply friends and make a little bit of money to finance his cannabis habit but it grew.”

Mr Field said Riley helped care for his mother and had never been to prison before

Judge Christopher Batty said: “What you were doing was selling class A drugs all over the city. I am satisfied that (the operation) became bigger than you thought. You would get a call from anyone who had your number and you went out to supply them with cocaine and MDMA.

“You played a part in spreading misery around the streets of Leeds and as a result you will have to be sentenced for that.”